Seizing Control (Black Shamrocks MC Book 1)

WOW!! This book is very dark but so well written. Lainey has been through so much, most people would have given up but she prevails stronger in the end with the love of Mik and her family. Can't wait to read moreof this series.

WARNING: this book may contain triggers

This story was dark and at times difficult for me to read, and I read some dark stories.

I found it difficult to read some of the graphic abuse outlined in the story, in the wrong frame of mind for the book I think.

The story did have a well developed plot and engaging characters

The lead female character just pissed me of to no end. I couldn't even finish this book because of her. She's a hypocrite and a self righteous b*%¿%. I had such high hopes for this book and because of the female lead, I just couldn't.

In the present, Madelaine "Lainey" O'Brien, daughter of the Black Shamrocks MC president is engaged to Mik "Mad Dog" Kennedy, alpha and VP of the club. In the past, Lainey's boyfriend, Brendan, was a controlling, manipulative and violent monster and that monster is returning to threaten her present.

We learn what happened to Lainey in the past through a series reoccurring flashbacks. Do take the trigger warnings seriously as there are graphic depictions of violence and rape. Usually I'm not overly fond of stories where there is a lot of jumping between the past and the present, but it was well-done here and I thought it worked unusually well for the story.

Overall the book was very well-written, with a suspenseful plot and interesting characters and Irish/Gaelic touches that added some nice flavor to the story. While we are left with questions which I expect will be resolved in the continuing books in the series, there isn't a true cliffhanger. There were a few times when I felt we were being told what happened instead of shown, most notably in the epilogue, and times I thought the characters were a little inconsistent, but still this is a sold, 4 star read for me, and I will be looking forward to more books in this series and from this author.

Madelaine O'Brien is the daughter of the volatile President of the Black Shamrocks MC, with four over bearing brothers to boot. So she stays to herself quite a bit, and works hard in school, so she can become an attorney. When she decides to go out with a boy finally, it doesn't go very well, and she keeps it quiet. Mik 'Mad Dog' Kennedy is her best friend, and he would do anything for her. When she gets old enough, he finally reveals his feelings to her, but dark things happen, and he walks away not knowing why she isn't his. He finally saves her, and helps her get through it. When they are finally happy, the monster from her past shows back up, intending to break her this time. Will Mik save her before it's too late?

That was such a hard description to type in paragraph above, as there was so much more to this story, and I just want to tell everyone all about it. Nonetheless, I will not, but my emotions are all kinds of dramatic, as the story is so emotional that it almost brought me to my knees. I'm not a person that has very many triggers, but this was hard to read at times. And not because Kylie Hillman didn't write it with sensitivity, as she really did, and the realistically written scenes of the aftermath were heart wrenching. She has a brilliant writing style that just pulled me in to the Black Shamrocks MC, like I was a part of it, so I found my eyes leaking on more than one occasion. Her twists and turns were great OMG moments that may or may not have had me cussing like a sailor a lot. And in between the emotional roller coaster ride, her well placed humor had me laughing hard. I LOVE this author, and I CANNOT WAIT to read more from her! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

“He stares at me, concern and speculation clouding his gaze. I drop my eyes from his before he starts verbalizing the questions I see gathering in his mind. He’s too astute. He knows me too well for my lies to keep him off my back for too long.”

5 twisted stars! Loved the start to this series, I may be obsessed after this!

Madelaine is no stranger to the MC life. Growing up as the only girl in her family and if forever protected by her father, the president and her four protective brothers. She’s quite frankly been through hll and back! Mik and Madelaine have grown up together and they’ve fallen in love over time. Mik is fiercely protective of those close to him, Lainey, being one of them. But how long can he protect her when her dark past comes back to haunt her??

This book was dark and twisted and definitely not for the faint of heart!! I loved Lainey and Mik, they are so perfect for each other and you root for them as you’re reading! I’m obsessed with this series and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**

Yep its true! Kylie Hillman has totally got me fangirling in a big way ❤❤❤
Having previously reading my first read of Hillman's with BRAWL she had me, but...this just totally won me over and I can't get ENOUGH!
Seizing Control nearly seized my heart...the angst of not knowing what was going to happen next, the emotional rollercoaster I was sent on with the trials and tribulations between Mik and Lainie, their love, passion and OMG, the SEX! The MC and their constant battle between trying to lookout for their club and loved ones and doing the right thing (as much as a MC can anyway). The background stories of other members, this book has it Fk ing all in spades!
Hillman is a master and ruler, her writing style is right up there with the best, I can't tell you how much I am in love with each of her books and I'm sure it will continue with every other read to come.
Mik and Lainie are meant to be, these two must prevail all the s#*t thrown their way or I'm going to die!
Seizing Control ends with unanswered questions but let me tell you right now, DON'T let this deter you. This book was a very decent length with enough action that you won't want to put it down, well worth the time and money to purchase (Pt1 is free) Pt2. I don't normally get into too many MC series as they all tend to run along the same format but this series is unique unto itself with some beautiful and sexy badass characters and a remarkable storyline to boot.
Seizing Control is a MUST read masterpiece and of course 5++ stars.
I'm so, SO thankful I stumbled across this author, my life is now complete lol.
Love, love, LOVE!

This book begins with a warning and rightly so. There are some very dark aspects that may be difficult for some to read. With that being said I want to applaud the author for tackling such difficult issues. It can't be easy to write about them let alone in a sensitive and tasteful way. I've read more than one review that questions how a strong woman can put up with the abuse and nobody around her notice. Obviously this is said by people who have never experienced abuse before (and that's wonderful!) so while this is a question for the ages it's not unrealistic in the slightest. Strong women put up with emotional and physical abuse all the time going to great lengths to cover their abusers tracks for any number of reasons (fear, love, poor self esteem etc etc.)
I dare you to not like the wickedly fierce yet vulnerable main character and of course the sizzling hot biker boyfriend. I laughed out loud, cringed, needed a cold shower or two and cheered my girl Maddi on. So what makes me give this 4 stars instead of 5 was the strange attitude change near the end of the book.
*Bit of a spoiler alert*
So up to now our heroine has had a good head on her shoulders. She stays strong in the face of terror, has a sharp brain and thinks on her toes. What threw me was the amount of anger she had for everyone BUT the addict who was the one taking the drugs she was so against, particularly the guy she is madly in love with who was also deceived about the whole thing. Maybe it's not fair to take a star away for that but it just seemed so out of the ordinary and was a little agitating. I couldn't help but think of that saying about blaming pencils for misspelled words.
In any case I plan on starting book two just as soon as I finish this review and I can't wait!:)

Seizing Control (Black Shamrocks MC #1)
By: Kylie Hillman
5/5 stars

Madeline O’Brien is the only daughter to Patrick, the President of the Black Shamrocks MC, with four brothers and a deceased mother. After her mother died, Madeline took over the caring roll for her brothers, since one was her twin and the other three were all younger. All the men in her family and the MC protective over her and some were even overprotective.

But her first boyfriend somehow slipped by all of their defenses. They knew something was off, because of his jealousy and developing extreme possessiveness over Madeline. They had a decent start that led into somewhat of a rocky relationship and then completely went bad. The type of bad that would have left a weaker woman irreparably damaged and broken.

But there had been one man who had always loved Madeline, who was there for her and helped her heal and begin to trust not only her own judgement, but trust a man again as well. Mik “Mad Dog” Kennedy is older than Madeline by about 7 years and is the son of the former MC president and currently the VP. He would do anything for Madeline, would protect her with his life and is as Alpha as they come.

But just because ghosts are in the past, doesn’t mean they stay dead and gone. This may be what it takes to finally break them, or it’s what will finally put it in the rearview mirror for good.

There is also plenty of MC action. We learn about the roles the characters play and the history in the clubhouse. For me it was a little crazy for Irish named club to be located in Australia and how the characters were all named and kept naming their kids with Irish names. But the Irish connection is explained. It may be that there is a large population of people with Irish Ancestry in that part of Australia, just as there is in Boston & NYC.

I really liked this book. The action was intense for both the personal & relationship aspect for Mik & Madeline and action within and from the MC as well. There were times when I was annoyed by one aspect or another, but that’s with all books.

The author did state that this series will play out over 5 books, so there isn’t technically and HEA, but the books will end with an HFN, happy for now. The second book is already out and the third book will be out in March 2016.

What a brilliant introduction to a great new MC writer. You aren't lead in gently you are thrown in full force into the world of the Black Shamrocks. This is Lainey (aka Princess) and Mik (aka Mad Dog's) story and what a ride it is.

Lainey, is embedded in your heart from the beginning, with the horror she has to endure at the hands of her sick ex. Her life is ruled by her past, a past that is full of pain. She goes through something that a woman should never go through and would break a lesser
woman, but she's a fighter and continues to fight and survive with the help of Mik.

Mik is the clubs VP and he has been in love with her for years. Once she was 18 he was done waiting for her and he wanted her as his. You fall in love with Mik with his strength to help Lainey heal from the horror she went through.

This couple go through so much together and it makes you love them so much more. They really struggle as a couple with everything that has gone on. Mik feels like he let her down with how badly she got hurt.

Lainey has finally got her life back on an even keel, she's healing but the reappearance of the evil monster from her past will she finally be broken, defeated or will she fight back and start SEIZING CONTROL?

The whole Black Shamrock family embed themselves too in your soul as they are all so brilliantly written, Benji, Joel, Kyle, Timber and Beast.

This book does cover dark, violent scenes that won't appeal to all. The storyline is so well written and full of everything to keep you hooked, drama, violence, rage, angst, passion, pain, betrayal, strength, family, love, and loyalty.

This is one series which should not be missed and I can't wait to find out what happens next with the Black Shamrocks.

Genre: dark / lust / depressing
Villain: Brenden / unspeakable actions but it added suspense
Heroes?: MC, Timber and Mik (sometimes)
Heroine: Lainey / flawed / naive
Rate: 3.5

I liked how book was from POV by several characters but mainly Lainey. I was confused at first on why author chose to start book how she did but it blended the book nicely. Brenden was a great villain. He was a wolf in sheeps clothing. Good ole boy, wealthy family and every girls dream but Lainey's. Mik was a great tension builder, best friend, romantic interest and protective but couldn't protect. He was on a pedestal all the way through book but fell off at the end. Lainey was a contradiction. Not sure if author meant her to be but she was. She described as strong by herself and others. Having all these crazy, protective bikers to defend you so you have a sense of being untouchable however Even the strongest people fall pray to evil. But my dislikes were the nativity of her. She grew up in a MC club with it dirty deeds but didn't think they did legal actives, had club whores but didn't they didn't cheat on their old ladies, etc. The end seemed rushed for a book of this length. I know it was a dark romance but I couldn't pick out any "happy times" to counter act all the depressing themes.

Madelaine O'Brien is the daughter of the volatile President of the Black Shamrocks MC, with four over bearing brothers to boot. So she stays to herself quite a bit, and works hard in school, so she can become an attorney. When she decides to go out with a boy finally, it doesn't go very well, and she keeps it quiet. Mik 'Mad Dog' Kennedy is her best friend, and he would do anything for her. When she gets old enough, he finally reveals his feelings to her, but dark things happen, and he walks away not knowing why she isn't his. He finally saves her, and helps her get through it. When they are finally happy, the monster from her past shows back up, intending to break her this time. Will Mik save her before it's too late?

That was such a hard description to type in paragraph above, as there was so much more to this story, and I just want to tell everyone all about it. Nonetheless, I will not, but my emotions are all kinds of dramatic, as the story is so emotional that it almost brought me to my knees. I'm not a person that has very many triggers, but this was hard to read at times. And not because Kylie Hillman didn't write it with sensitivity, as she really did, and the realistically written scenes of the aftermath were heart wrenching. She has a brilliant writing style that just pulled me in to the Black Shamrocks MC, like I was a part of it, so I found my eyes leaking on more than one occasion. Her twists and turns were great OMG moments that may or may not have had me cussing like a sailor a lot. And in between the emotional roller coaster ride, her well placed humor had me laughing hard. I LOVE this author, and I CANNOT WAIT to read more from her! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

“He stares at me, concern and speculation clouding his gaze. I drop my eyes from his before he starts verbalizing the questions I see gathering in his mind. He’s too astute. He knows me too well for my lies to keep him off my back for too long.”

5 twisted stars! Loved the start to this series, I may be obsessed after this!

Madelaine is no stranger to the MC life. Growing up as the only girl in her family and if forever protected by her father, the president and her four protective brothers. She’s quite frankly been through hll and back! Mik and Madelaine have grown up together and they’ve fallen in love over time. Mik is fiercely protective of those close to him, Lainey, being one of them. But how long can he protect her when her dark past comes back to haunt her??

This book was dark and twisted and definitely not for the faint of heart!! I loved Lainey and Mik, they are so perfect for each other and you root for them as you’re reading! I’m obsessed with this series and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**

Yep its true! Kylie Hillman has totally got me fangirling in a big way ❤❤❤
Having previously reading my first read of Hillman's with BRAWL she had me, but...this just totally won me over and I can't get ENOUGH!
Seizing Control nearly seized my heart...the angst of not knowing what was going to happen next, the emotional rollercoaster I was sent on with the trials and tribulations between Mik and Lainie, their love, passion and OMG, the SEX! The MC and their constant battle between trying to lookout for their club and loved ones and doing the right thing (as much as a MC can anyway). The background stories of other members, this book has it Fk ing all in spades!
Hillman is a master and ruler, her writing style is right up there with the best, I can't tell you how much I am in love with each of her books and I'm sure it will continue with every other read to come.
Mik and Lainie are meant to be, these two must prevail all the s#*t thrown their way or I'm going to die!
Seizing Control ends with unanswered questions but let me tell you right now, DON'T let this deter you. This book was a very decent length with enough action that you won't want to put it down, well worth the time and money to purchase (Pt1 is free) Pt2. I don't normally get into too many MC series as they all tend to run along the same format but this series is unique unto itself with some beautiful and sexy badass characters and a remarkable storyline to boot.
Seizing Control is a MUST read masterpiece and of course 5++ stars.
I'm so, SO thankful I stumbled across this author, my life is now complete lol.
Love, love, LOVE!

This book begins with a warning and rightly so. There are some very dark aspects that may be difficult for some to read. With that being said I want to applaud the author for tackling such difficult issues. It can't be easy to write about them let alone in a sensitive and tasteful way. I've read more than one review that questions how a strong woman can put up with the abuse and nobody around her notice. Obviously this is said by people who have never experienced abuse before (and that's wonderful!) so while this is a question for the ages it's not unrealistic in the slightest. Strong women put up with emotional and physical abuse all the time going to great lengths to cover their abusers tracks for any number of reasons (fear, love, poor self esteem etc etc.)
I dare you to not like the wickedly fierce yet vulnerable main character and of course the sizzling hot biker boyfriend. I laughed out loud, cringed, needed a cold shower or two and cheered my girl Maddi on. So what makes me give this 4 stars instead of 5 was the strange attitude change near the end of the book.
*Bit of a spoiler alert*
So up to now our heroine has had a good head on her shoulders. She stays strong in the face of terror, has a sharp brain and thinks on her toes. What threw me was the amount of anger she had for everyone BUT the addict who was the one taking the drugs she was so against, particularly the guy she is madly in love with who was also deceived about the whole thing. Maybe it's not fair to take a star away for that but it just seemed so out of the ordinary and was a little agitating. I couldn't help but think of that saying about blaming pencils for misspelled words.
In any case I plan on starting book two just as soon as I finish this review and I can't wait!:)

Seizing Control (Black Shamrocks MC #1)
By: Kylie Hillman
5/5 stars

Madeline O’Brien is the only daughter to Patrick, the President of the Black Shamrocks MC, with four brothers and a deceased mother. After her mother died, Madeline took over the caring roll for her brothers, since one was her twin and the other three were all younger. All the men in her family and the MC protective over her and some were even overprotective.

But her first boyfriend somehow slipped by all of their defenses. They knew something was off, because of his jealousy and developing extreme possessiveness over Madeline. They had a decent start that led into somewhat of a rocky relationship and then completely went bad. The type of bad that would have left a weaker woman irreparably damaged and broken.

But there had been one man who had always loved Madeline, who was there for her and helped her heal and begin to trust not only her own judgement, but trust a man again as well. Mik “Mad Dog” Kennedy is older than Madeline by about 7 years and is the son of the former MC president and currently the VP. He would do anything for Madeline, would protect her with his life and is as Alpha as they come.

But just because ghosts are in the past, doesn’t mean they stay dead and gone. This may be what it takes to finally break them, or it’s what will finally put it in the rearview mirror for good.

There is also plenty of MC action. We learn about the roles the characters play and the history in the clubhouse. For me it was a little crazy for Irish named club to be located in Australia and how the characters were all named and kept naming their kids with Irish names. But the Irish connection is explained. It may be that there is a large population of people with Irish Ancestry in that part of Australia, just as there is in Boston & NYC.

I really liked this book. The action was intense for both the personal & relationship aspect for Mik & Madeline and action within and from the MC as well. There were times when I was annoyed by one aspect or another, but that’s with all books.

The author did state that this series will play out over 5 books, so there isn’t technically and HEA, but the books will end with an HFN, happy for now. The second book is already out and the third book will be out in March 2016.

What a brilliant introduction to a great new MC writer. You aren't lead in gently you are thrown in full force into the world of the Black Shamrocks. This is Lainey (aka Princess) and Mik (aka Mad Dog's) story and what a ride it is.

Lainey, is embedded in your heart from the beginning, with the horror she has to endure at the hands of her sick ex. Her life is ruled by her past, a past that is full of pain. She goes through something that a woman should never go through and would break a lesser
woman, but she's a fighter and continues to fight and survive with the help of Mik.

Mik is the clubs VP and he has been in love with her for years. Once she was 18 he was done waiting for her and he wanted her as his. You fall in love with Mik with his strength to help Lainey heal from the horror she went through.

This couple go through so much together and it makes you love them so much more. They really struggle as a couple with everything that has gone on. Mik feels like he let her down with how badly she got hurt.

Lainey has finally got her life back on an even keel, she's healing but the reappearance of the evil monster from her past will she finally be broken, defeated or will she fight back and start SEIZING CONTROL?

The whole Black Shamrock family embed themselves too in your soul as they are all so brilliantly written, Benji, Joel, Kyle, Timber and Beast.

This book does cover dark, violent scenes that won't appeal to all. The storyline is so well written and full of everything to keep you hooked, drama, violence, rage, angst, passion, pain, betrayal, strength, family, love, and loyalty.

This is one series which should not be missed and I can't wait to find out what happens next with the Black Shamrocks.

Genre: dark / lust / depressing
Villain: Brenden / unspeakable actions but it added suspense
Heroes?: MC, Timber and Mik (sometimes)
Heroine: Lainey / flawed / naive
Rate: 3.5

I liked how book was from POV by several characters but mainly Lainey. I was confused at first on why author chose to start book how she did but it blended the book nicely. Brenden was a great villain. He was a wolf in sheeps clothing. Good ole boy, wealthy family and every girls dream but Lainey's. Mik was a great tension builder, best friend, romantic interest and protective but couldn't protect. He was on a pedestal all the way through book but fell off at the end. Lainey was a contradiction. Not sure if author meant her to be but she was. She described as strong by herself and others. Having all these crazy, protective bikers to defend you so you have a sense of being untouchable however Even the strongest people fall pray to evil. But my dislikes were the nativity of her. She grew up in a MC club with it dirty deeds but didn't think they did legal actives, had club whores but didn't they didn't cheat on their old ladies, etc. The end seemed rushed for a book of this length. I know it was a dark romance but I couldn't pick out any "happy times" to counter act all the depressing themes.

This is book was- beautifully heartbreaking and unlike anything I've ever read. Yes, this book is dark BUT for once we have an author who isn't afraid to give readers who seek dark reads something that mimics real life. Every chapter I found my heart shattering and a little voice in the back of my head wrapped in a blanket rocking trying to convince me that everything would be ok.

Maddi/ Lainey has demons from her past. As the daughter to the Black Shamrocks President and sister to four brothers, being strong is no stranger to the gorgeous Lainey. Yet, some burdens have a way of suffocating. When the very thing that threatened to break her resurfaces from her past she's determined to fight even harder this time around; hanging on to the love she has for Mikhail 'Mad Dog' Kennedy.

Mik Kennedy has had the pleasure of loving only one woman besides his mother- Madelaine O'Brien. Having grown up together no one knows Lainey as well as Mik does. In fact he's one of the few who knows all the demons from her past and continued to love her wholeheartedly. He's always been her salvation, but when things from the past are rehashed can they weather the next storm.

This book starts in the present day when Lainey (Madelaine, Maddi, Princess) is kidnapped from the house she shares with her fiancé Mik (Mikhail, Mad Dog) it then switches between the past and present so we understand what's happening, it's told mainly but not exclusively from Lainey's POV.
This is a dark read, the treatment Lainey suffers at the hands of Brendan is horrific and it's a wonder she's able to continue living a relatively normal life.
I have very mixed feelings about this book, there's a lot here to like, it's a nice long read, there's a lot happening, I liked a lot of the characters Mik and Timber in particular.
But.....
Lainey annoyed me. There I've said it, I feel mean because she suffers a lot but I just didn't like her and I did try.
Also so much if this could have been avoided, I'm sorry but if you have a whole MC behind you including your father as president you'd use them and this was a major stumbling block for me because we're told Lainey is strong and intelligent but sticking her head in the sand and ignoring the problem isn't going to help anyone and it didn't really seem her style.
It's also a pet hate of mine when conversations are differed, we'll talk later, I just need to sort it out, I can't talk now. You know what I mean and it happens a lot in this book.
And don't get me started on the problem within the club.
I can understand why most people really like this book it just wasn't really for me.

Seizing Control is the first the Black Shamrocks MC series and I really liked it.
Kylie Hilman has me hooked. She gives you drama, angst, passion and a whole lot more.
And let's not forget Alpha males, lots of hot protective Alpha males.

Lainey is the daughter of the Black Shamrocks President and the sister to four overprotective brothers.
Lainey is finally happy until her past comes back to haunt her. A past that brings violence and humiliation. My heartbreaks for her. But yet I admire her for her strength to carry on.
Mik is the VIP of the club and has grown up along Lainey and her brothers. He is also Lainey's first love and has helped her get through some really bad times. He has never forgiven himself for not being able to protect Lainey in the past and will do anything in his power to protect her.

Oh my Alpha! Mik is seriously one hot biker! And his love for Lainey is so hot!
I don't want to give to much away, but if you're looking for a dark and gritty read and don't mind violence then I suggest you one click this book. Seizing Control is the start to a great MC series. Can't wait for the next one.

All I can say is wow. Seizing Control is emotional, gritty, laden with heavy content and has one of the strongest heroines I've read about in an MC novel. It's different than the usual MC novel in that the focus of the story is Maddi who is the daughter of an MC President. You see some MC action however the focal point of the story is her experience with domestic violence, overcoming the demons that particular awfulness brings a person and then years later experiencing another trauma and overcoming that as well. This book is written in dual POV which I enjoy and does transition from the past to the present. This enhances the story and your ability to understand Maddi and everything she's been through. It's an intense read however it's a great debut by Kylie. Please note that if abuse, rape or violence of any kind are triggers for you, you may want to think twice about this book. This ends in a good for now situation, not a cliffhanger but not necessarily a happily ever after either.

Review on behalf of A Book Lovers Emporium

I love when you read the first few pages and get sucked straight in. This book certainly grabbed me. It's action all the way.

Maddie/Lainie and Mik/Mad Dog are constantly blaming themselves for the events that go on in their lives.

Maddie is the presidents daughter and Mad Dog is the VP in the MC club. Wrong decisions blight their relationship from before they are even a couple.

This book is a fantastic debut.
I had no trouble putting myself there with them. I cried too (not strange for me)
I look forward to Kylie's next book as, if this is anything to go by, it will be fantastic!

I thought this was a great story. Madelaine is the daughter of the MC President. Mik is a member of the MC. For years, they were best friends. What happens when they discover the feel more for each other is an amazing story of the ultimate love. Trouble is, not everyone is happy they are together. When someone from her past enters her life again, the story that unfolds was well written and one I enjoyed reading. Is the love Mik and Madelaine enough to survive? Will the outside world prevent it? I thought this was an emotionally fantastic story. I look forward to reading more about these two and the rest of this MC in future books.

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster. Four years ago, Lainey was brutally beaten and raped by her ex-boyfriend. Since then, she has moved on with her soulmate, Mik. Growing up in an MC, Lainey knows how brutal life can be. She has had her father and brothers to take care of since her mother's death and found comfort in Mik's friendship since he came from a similar experience. This book does not pull any punches. It isn't a flowers and rainbows love story but rather a gritty, brutally honest story of how Lainey and Mik find happiness only to be sucked back into the nightmare when their past returns. Great read...looking forward to the rest of the series.

Seizing Control (Black Shamrocks MC 1)
Kylie Hillman
3. 5 stars

The Black Shamrocks MC along with four blood brothers hold the only daughter of the clubs President under their wing after the nightmare she has lived. Madelaine O'Brien is a survivor but she is tired of looking over her shoulder. Mik keeps her safe along with her father, brothers and the club. Switching her phone on she sees she has missed numerous text and calls from her fiancé and choosing to ignore them wasn’t the smartest thing she has done. Mik Mad Dog Kennedy is going to have her ass for this. It took he and Laney a lifetime of getting to where they are. They were always best friends but when her 18th birthday rolled around it became the best and worst day of her life. It was the day her nightmare really began. Mik has protected her since her life turned upside down but the past is about to find her and take her away again.

Mik blames himself for not seeing what he should have earlier. He will never let Laney be hurt again however Mik finds out you can't protect a person from the devil or the demons that lie inside once you climb out of the dark.

There was a very dark story with some rough scenes if you aren’t used to some graphic descriptions of violence. However the issue for me was not the nitty gritty scenes – it was the length of the story and then not feeling like there was a true ending or at least a calm to their story and their was a lot of story on these pages. There was too much going on and I also was frustrated when Mik didn’t seem more anxious at times to do what he needed to do. (That’s about it without giving spoilers).

This was not a bad read it just wasn’t the normal MC speed for me. I loved the secondary characters – and I hope to see from them along with some resolution between Laney and Mik included in those next releases.

Thank you . I will keep with this series because there are definitely things that are not finished. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

4.5 JBI STARS

Seizing Control
(Black Shamrocks MC #1)
Kylie Hillman

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Congratulations author Kylie Hillman on an awesome debut book.

This is not your average everyday MC story. It's rough, crazy, and intense mixed in with some seriously sexiness too. This story of Madelaine (Lainey) O'Brien and Mik (Mad Dog) Kennedy is deep, emotional, and wild. Lainey has survived some serious stuff in her life and Mik was her lifeline.

I loved the loyalty you could feel throughout the book. I also liked how the author wasn't afraid to show the darker side of an MC. You do what you have to in order to keep your family safe. Regardless of the circumstances. You get that in this book. It's dirty and rough, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. LOVED THAT!!

This was an awesome beginning to the Black Shamrocks MC series. I can't wait for book #2, Making Choices, to get here.

REVIEW STARS
Hero Stars: 5 Mik is 100% alpha male
Heroine Stars: 5 Lainey is one badass woman
Interaction Stars: 4.5
Sexiness Stars: 4.5
Storyline Stars: 5
The End Stars: 4
Overall Stars: 4.5

Is this book a keeper? Yes
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes
Would I read more books from this author? Yes
Would I recommend this author to others? Yes

#SeizingControl #BlackShamrocksMC
#JustBlogItReviews #OneClickAddict

Just Blog It Reviews
https://justmejaye2015.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/JustBlogItReviews

I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought overall it was a good story. This was the authors debut book and I believe they did an awesome job. It is not my usual go to book, but I am willing to give anything a try. I am glad I did because although it was dark it was a good book. I really enjoyed the main characters Mik and Lainey. I loved their relationship, even though at times it was hard to read about them going through so much drama. I felt as if in the whole book they never had the chance to have a peaceful relationship, there was always something clouding it. However that did not take away from the love I could tell they had for one another. I also loved Timber Mik's best friend and fellow brother and his relationship with Lainey. I hope good things happen to him because he is a good person and always had both their backs.

I did not like Benji's character too much and was really disappointed in how he turned out. I couldnt believe after everything and especially Lainey did to protect him, he screwed up again. Also I am sort of a strong headed individual and I did not like how Lainey never set her dad straight about her and Mik and everything else Benji said about them to him. In addition to that, I did not like how their dad treated Lainey and Wendy at times. I could tell he loved them but I felt as if he took them for granted a lot. He also treated Mik badly and as a result almost cost the club and everyone else their lives, and this issue has not been resolved either. Lastly I did not like that this book ended in a mini cliff hanger with a lot of things still left unresolved.

Overall it was not a horrible read, it was actually very interesting and I would definitely read another book by this author! :)
*I gave it 4 stars because of the cliffhanger, other than that it was a good book!

ARC given in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book from Kylie Hillman and she has done really good with it. The story is centred around Laine, the daughter of the president of Black Shamrocks MC. The first few chapters of this book had me a little confused as it starts off four years after an incident that turned Lanie's life upside down and also the people around her. She now has to deal with her ex and all the trouble he has caused and will cause again but to also try and stay strong for herself and her family. The writing of this book is past and present but on each chapter it tells you where you are and which character the part is about, most of it is Lanie's POV but there's also some from Mad Dog (Mik).
Mik is the VP of the MC and long time friend and Laniey's fiancée, he's a hard man but loyal to both the club and to Lanie, however a few things happen that really make you think!
Then you have Brendon who is the ex and let me tell you he really is a piece of work that you go though the whole book wanting to beat the hell out of for what he does.
You meet the other main people in the family and MC in this books such as Beast (prez and dad to Lanie), Benji is her brother by blood and Timber (A MC brother). These are the other characters that stood out throughout the book. There's also Lanie's other blood brother but I won't be saying who that is as it can ruin part of the story for readers. 
I feel the story line was good however everything did seem to happen within the last 30% of the book. There are twists within the book that make you think that there will be others to follow. Also it's not a typical HEA but also not a cliffhanger.

This was one emotional read. Kylie Hillman's characters are intense. This book made me feel so many different emotions, anger, hate, love, sad, turned on, and had my adrenalin pumping through the whole book. Maddie is the daughter of the volatile MC president and the girlfriend of the VP but even they can't protect her. When she was a young girl she dated the wrong man and he was a horrible monster. Maddie suffered in silence to protect her family. Fast forward years later where she's healed. Maddie and Mik are able to have thier HEA until the past comes calling. The monster manages to rip into Maddies world and turns everyone against each other. In graphic detail the reader can't help but feel the intense angst that happens to Maddie. She allows the monster to consume her life again and she's not sure who to trust or who can protect her. This book is dark, gritty, and raw with some very intense scenes. Will Maddie defeat the monster once and for all or will he completely destroy everyone in her life? Seizing Control is a great debut book and I can't wait for the next adrenalin pumping book.

Outstanding new addition to the MC book world!
Absolute brilliance! The author, Kylie Hillman, has done it for me! She has figured out a way to pull every emotion from me in one book.
It's important for me to be able to feel what each character is feeling and to be able to lose myself in the book and she has accomplished just that.
I look forward to reading future books from this author as she has proven to be an exceptional writer that can draw you in straight from the beginning until the end.
If you love dark romance as much as I do this book will not dissappoint!

Talk about a damsel in distress. My goodness...how many bad things can happen to one person? Story was okay. I just couldn't connect with the characters. I tried my best, but I didn't particularly like Lainey. A very contradictory character. All through the book, we're told how strong she supposedly is, but truthfully, she is a very weak heroine. She can handle four brothers, her over-protective father, and her fiancé with no problem at all, but succumbs and cowers to her crazy ex-boyfriend. I liked the story concept, but didn't like the direction of where said story went. I felt as though the story went in a lot of different directions and never quite settled. Also, some scenes were very graphic, which made me uncomfortable. So, just okay for me as a whole.

This is a debut novel from this author, and truth be told, I am amazed as this is brilliant work!! This is the story of Lainey and Mic who were brought up in the MC life. This is a storyline which is packed full of obsession, betrayal, hate, trust, emotion, and love.
This is the first book in the Black Shamrock MC series, and I for one cannot wait to read the next one. Awesome job Kylie!!

Receiving a blind date with a book takes you places you aren't so certain you are ready to go. I have read books with darkness in them and although I feel broken by some of the actions, I do enjoy something different. Lainey and Mik are a different kind of love that has ups and downs. Brendan is so twisted. The characters and the trials they go through are amazing.

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster. Four years ago, Lainey was brutally beaten and raped by her ex-boyfriend. Since then, she has moved on with her soulmate, Mik. Growing up in an MC, Lainey knows how brutal life can be. She has had her father and brothers to take care of since her mother's death and found comfort in Mik's friendship since he came from a similar experience. This book does not pull any punches. It isn't a flowers and rainbows love story but rather a gritty, brutally honest story of how Lainey and Mik find happiness only to be sucked back into the nightmare when their past returns. Great read...looking forward to the rest of the series.

Seizing Control (Black Shamrocks MC 1)
Kylie Hillman
3. 5 stars

The Black Shamrocks MC along with four blood brothers hold the only daughter of the clubs President under their wing after the nightmare she has lived. Madelaine O'Brien is a survivor but she is tired of looking over her shoulder. Mik keeps her safe along with her father, brothers and the club. Switching her phone on she sees she has missed numerous text and calls from her fiancé and choosing to ignore them wasn’t the smartest thing she has done. Mik Mad Dog Kennedy is going to have her ass for this. It took he and Laney a lifetime of getting to where they are. They were always best friends but when her 18th birthday rolled around it became the best and worst day of her life. It was the day her nightmare really began. Mik has protected her since her life turned upside down but the past is about to find her and take her away again.

Mik blames himself for not seeing what he should have earlier. He will never let Laney be hurt again however Mik finds out you can't protect a person from the devil or the demons that lie inside once you climb out of the dark.

There was a very dark story with some rough scenes if you aren’t used to some graphic descriptions of violence. However the issue for me was not the nitty gritty scenes – it was the length of the story and then not feeling like there was a true ending or at least a calm to their story and their was a lot of story on these pages. There was too much going on and I also was frustrated when Mik didn’t seem more anxious at times to do what he needed to do. (That’s about it without giving spoilers).

This was not a bad read it just wasn’t the normal MC speed for me. I loved the secondary characters – and I hope to see from them along with some resolution between Laney and Mik included in those next releases.

Thank you . I will keep with this series because there are definitely things that are not finished. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

4.5 JBI STARS

Seizing Control
(Black Shamrocks MC #1)
Kylie Hillman

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Congratulations author Kylie Hillman on an awesome debut book.

This is not your average everyday MC story. It's rough, crazy, and intense mixed in with some seriously sexiness too. This story of Madelaine (Lainey) O'Brien and Mik (Mad Dog) Kennedy is deep, emotional, and wild. Lainey has survived some serious stuff in her life and Mik was her lifeline.

I loved the loyalty you could feel throughout the book. I also liked how the author wasn't afraid to show the darker side of an MC. You do what you have to in order to keep your family safe. Regardless of the circumstances. You get that in this book. It's dirty and rough, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. LOVED THAT!!

This was an awesome beginning to the Black Shamrocks MC series. I can't wait for book #2, Making Choices, to get here.

REVIEW STARS
Hero Stars: 5 Mik is 100% alpha male
Heroine Stars: 5 Lainey is one badass woman
Interaction Stars: 4.5
Sexiness Stars: 4.5
Storyline Stars: 5
The End Stars: 4
Overall Stars: 4.5

Is this book a keeper? Yes
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes
Would I read more books from this author? Yes
Would I recommend this author to others? Yes

#SeizingControl #BlackShamrocksMC
#JustBlogItReviews #OneClickAddict

Just Blog It Reviews
https://justmejaye2015.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/JustBlogItReviews

I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought overall it was a good story. This was the authors debut book and I believe they did an awesome job. It is not my usual go to book, but I am willing to give anything a try. I am glad I did because although it was dark it was a good book. I really enjoyed the main characters Mik and Lainey. I loved their relationship, even though at times it was hard to read about them going through so much drama. I felt as if in the whole book they never had the chance to have a peaceful relationship, there was always something clouding it. However that did not take away from the love I could tell they had for one another. I also loved Timber Mik's best friend and fellow brother and his relationship with Lainey. I hope good things happen to him because he is a good person and always had both their backs.

I did not like Benji's character too much and was really disappointed in how he turned out. I couldnt believe after everything and especially Lainey did to protect him, he screwed up again. Also I am sort of a strong headed individual and I did not like how Lainey never set her dad straight about her and Mik and everything else Benji said about them to him. In addition to that, I did not like how their dad treated Lainey and Wendy at times. I could tell he loved them but I felt as if he took them for granted a lot. He also treated Mik badly and as a result almost cost the club and everyone else their lives, and this issue has not been resolved either. Lastly I did not like that this book ended in a mini cliff hanger with a lot of things still left unresolved.

Overall it was not a horrible read, it was actually very interesting and I would definitely read another book by this author! :)
*I gave it 4 stars because of the cliffhanger, other than that it was a good book!

ARC given in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book from Kylie Hillman and she has done really good with it. The story is centred around Laine, the daughter of the president of Black Shamrocks MC. The first few chapters of this book had me a little confused as it starts off four years after an incident that turned Lanie's life upside down and also the people around her. She now has to deal with her ex and all the trouble he has caused and will cause again but to also try and stay strong for herself and her family. The writing of this book is past and present but on each chapter it tells you where you are and which character the part is about, most of it is Lanie's POV but there's also some from Mad Dog (Mik).
Mik is the VP of the MC and long time friend and Laniey's fiancée, he's a hard man but loyal to both the club and to Lanie, however a few things happen that really make you think!
Then you have Brendon who is the ex and let me tell you he really is a piece of work that you go though the whole book wanting to beat the hell out of for what he does.
You meet the other main people in the family and MC in this books such as Beast (prez and dad to Lanie), Benji is her brother by blood and Timber (A MC brother). These are the other characters that stood out throughout the book. There's also Lanie's other blood brother but I won't be saying who that is as it can ruin part of the story for readers. 
I feel the story line was good however everything did seem to happen within the last 30% of the book. There are twists within the book that make you think that there will be others to follow. Also it's not a typical HEA but also not a cliffhanger.

This was one emotional read. Kylie Hillman's characters are intense. This book made me feel so many different emotions, anger, hate, love, sad, turned on, and had my adrenalin pumping through the whole book. Maddie is the daughter of the volatile MC president and the girlfriend of the VP but even they can't protect her. When she was a young girl she dated the wrong man and he was a horrible monster. Maddie suffered in silence to protect her family. Fast forward years later where she's healed. Maddie and Mik are able to have thier HEA until the past comes calling. The monster manages to rip into Maddies world and turns everyone against each other. In graphic detail the reader can't help but feel the intense angst that happens to Maddie. She allows the monster to consume her life again and she's not sure who to trust or who can protect her. This book is dark, gritty, and raw with some very intense scenes. Will Maddie defeat the monster once and for all or will he completely destroy everyone in her life? Seizing Control is a great debut book and I can't wait for the next adrenalin pumping book.

This is a brilliant well written debut novel. I sat and read it in one afternoon as I couldn't put it down until I'd finished.

Madelaine is the only daughter of the President of the Black Shamrocks MC. She's got four protective brothers. Mik is the hot alpha male that will do anything to protect the people close to him.

Lainey and Mic have grown up together. They are now madly in love and engaged. When Laineys past comes back to haunt her will their relationship be strong enough to survive??

If your like me and you love MC reads and dark stories then you will love this book. It's dark, gritty and raw. A brilliant dark romance.
I felt as if I was on a roller coaster while reading this. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Loved it.

Outstanding new addition to the MC book world!
Absolute brilliance! The author, Kylie Hillman, has done it for me! She has figured out a way to pull every emotion from me in one book.
It's important for me to be able to feel what each character is feeling and to be able to lose myself in the book and she has accomplished just that.
I look forward to reading future books from this author as she has proven to be an exceptional writer that can draw you in straight from the beginning until the end.
If you love dark romance as much as I do this book will not dissappoint!

Talk about a damsel in distress. My goodness...how many bad things can happen to one person? Story was okay. I just couldn't connect with the characters. I tried my best, but I didn't particularly like Lainey. A very contradictory character. All through the book, we're told how strong she supposedly is, but truthfully, she is a very weak heroine. She can handle four brothers, her over-protective father, and her fiancé with no problem at all, but succumbs and cowers to her crazy ex-boyfriend. I liked the story concept, but didn't like the direction of where said story went. I felt as though the story went in a lot of different directions and never quite settled. Also, some scenes were very graphic, which made me uncomfortable. So, just okay for me as a whole.

This is a debut novel from this author, and truth be told, I am amazed as this is brilliant work!! This is the story of Lainey and Mic who were brought up in the MC life. This is a storyline which is packed full of obsession, betrayal, hate, trust, emotion, and love.
This is the first book in the Black Shamrock MC series, and I for one cannot wait to read the next one. Awesome job Kylie!!

Receiving a blind date with a book takes you places you aren't so certain you are ready to go. I have read books with darkness in them and although I feel broken by some of the actions, I do enjoy something different. Lainey and Mik are a different kind of love that has ups and downs. Brendan is so twisted. The characters and the trials they go through are amazing.

As a domestic violence surviver I could relate to some of Madelaine's dark past. This is a dark, angsty MC romance. I went thru an emotional roller coaster while reading this. It legit kept my interest from beginning to end. Highly recommended!