Raised in a remote town by men who would die for her, Shanna can't wait to escape years of being babysat by the archaic mentality of the men her father's MC. They live by a code. A code she's done being part of.
But even in isolated places... there are people dying to take you down. Duke and Shanna must decide if they are going to fight for their love or watch it crash and burn when both of them are forced to make choices they can't come back from.
How far would you go for love?
Duke...
I stopped in on a whim to see the old dive bar where my old man used to spend his days--getting drunk with his boys from the MC. But when I walked in and saw her... I knew I would be back and not just for another round, but to make Shanna mine. She's asking for trouble teasing me the way that she does. She's made a mistake. A bad one.
I'm not like the pathetic boys at her college. I'm an ex-marine, and I'm gonna make my BAD GIRL pay. But I wasn't expecting her to put up a fight. Taming her just might be the biggest battle I've faced yet, but I'm determined to make it the sweetest victory for us both.
She's my angel, but I'm her devil. Together we're gonna burn.
"Duke" is the first book in a new MC series and got to say I really did enjoy this one. It would have been a much higher star rating for this but there were a few instances here that really set my teeth on edge; which was a real shame as the writing style used here was so easy to get lost in and relate to. So I will start with the good; this was well written, emotive and heartfelt. I loved the main characters; both Duke and Shanna and was rooting for them all the way. I adored that this was an age-gap romance; they are so my guilty pleasure; this was the ultimate cherry on the cake for me. This was plenty smoking hot and the chemistry between Duke and Shanna was off the charts. In fact, this was rolling along quite nicely and all was good with my world until; and here's my bad; things went to hell in a handbasket. Everything was so good and hunky dory; then major car crash moment or several of them. "Duke" then changed dramatically for me. we are now introduced to a bit of a love triangle and nobody has the patience to just wait a damn second for things to get back on track. I'm talking about both Shanna and Duke here; both needed their heads banging together. This kinda spoiled event's slightly for me; I'm an all in sort of girl and not a big fan of my lovers getting their juice from elsewhere. This didn't actually go all the way here; so I could still kinda deal, but it was enough that it pissed me the hell off and ultimately spoilt my enjoyment Of Duke. Was not a happy bunny at this point; thankfully our pair of lovers do eventually pull themselves together and get back on track; so I forgave them after I'd finished cursing their arses of course. Despite my above moaning, this was still an excellent read that was easy to get lost in and enjoy. The author did a fantastic job of reeling in the reader and managed to keep my interest throughout. Another Dual POV tale which is by far my personal preference and Duke also came equipped with a great cast of secondary individuals which also added to the overall experience. Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of "Duke" of which I have reviewed voluntary. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I almost dnf this one twice.. first when heroine lets guys at the bar have body shots off her then I almost stopped at around the 25% mark when heroine gets off by OM but skimmed through. That scene ruined the book for me though, it was already in my head so I couldn’t get over it.
I didn’t find the Hero or heroine that special. Heroine I liked less then the Hero. Lots of sex, pretty boring read. Thank god for KU!
Wow! This book just blew me away. I've always been a fan of MC romance but what you get with Duke is so much more!
This is my 2nd read by Mr. Hart and I'm amazed at the depth of character development and the rich descriptive writing and detail he provides in his books. I think my favorite part of Duke is his ability to take flawed and emotionally damaged characters on a journey of growth, love, and acceptance. This is especially true for Shanna who has a history with the MC and was raised in such a stifling environment. I LOVE her character. So strong and persevering, independent and caring, through it all - even if at times I wanted to smack her. Chalk it up to her youth and inexperience, it's a pretty accurate portrayal.
Duke is everything an alpha male biker should be and he's got his own demons, a past with the MC and his worthless father, memories from the war (a Marine oohrah!), and a passion that's swoon worthy. He's a REAL man and that's what I loved about his dark and edgy character. What you see is what you get but under all that tough biker exterior is a loving, caring, protective, and sensual heart that beats for his one true love. Take notes ladies - this man is a DREAM COME TRUE. You'll wish Duke was alive, flesh and blood. Another of Mr. Hart's brilliant character traits - no one is weak. Weak moments? Self-doubt?Selfish motivations? Yes, but who doesn't have those?
The storyline in this book is full of twists and turns, revelations, and sometimes humor. There's a push and pull, give and take, that's sexy as hell, seductive, and made me burn as much as Duke and Shanna. I couldn't read fast enough. Every moment of the day I wanted to get back to their story. There's plenty of action and everything you expect in an MC novel - rival MCs, past alliances and current angst, threats of violence, and plenty of grit. Add in the sexy and daring romance and well you pretty much have perfection. At least for me.
Another of Mr. Hart's talents is his ability to create erotic scenes that will leave your kindle burning in your hands. So HOT! But they aren't just mindless or meaningless sex. He takes the time to set up the scene, the characters, the background, even the smells and sounds of the atmosphere - and he makes love not just physically but in your mind. Talk about tantalizing and sensual - wow!
No spoilers but this was a FANTASTIC read from start to finish. Well-written, flawless, and smooth like a well-aged scotch. I've gotten a sip but oh do I want more!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Duke. You'll fall in love and never be the same. 5 Perfect, Thrilling, Sexy, MC ridin' Stars!!!
Characters: 5/5 Plot: 5/5 Word Building: 5/5 Story Flow: 5/5
This book is a MC novel without the MC. Shanna was raised as the daughter of an MC prez, but beside her aging retired father, and his friend Meat (eyeroll) there is no other mention of any other bikers. She continually complains about her hatred of the lifestyle, and how much it affected her, but it isn't backed up...because there're no bikers.
Duke is a former marine, who's not a biker, but somehow ends up taking over a chapter which didn't make any sense. The book was ok, mainly because it was on KU so I could skim the boring parts. It just didn't make much sense as a whole. Not only were their individual situations off, but their epic love seemed pretty baseless. They really spent no time together to fall in love, they were apart most of the book because of stupid reasons. It was also corny AF at times.
"feeling her start to stretch a tiny bit so I can rut her like the stud I am. She's my mare, and I'm her big stallion, as long and hard as a horse"
I stopped at reading at 28%. The writing style was not my cup of tea, and as others have commented, there was just too much drama. The obsession of the lead male character was kind of creepy, and the female lead was immature, and wishy-washy. Neither character was believable or likeable. Again, just not the book for me. This may work of other folks, but just not my style.
5 out of 5 06-25-18 on audible Wow! I absolutely loved this book. This is book one of Creed MC Series and the start of what looks to be a fantastic series. This book is superbly written, kept me on the edge of my seat, with many twist and turns. The characters Shanna and Duke have an explosive chemistry and a love for one another that is undeniable. I definitely recommend this book you won't regret it. I am looking forward to more from this author.
The narration by Rodney Falcon was spectacular! Any book narrated by Rodney Falcon will be an automatic dowloa
Jax Hart is new to me and after reading Duke I will continue to read Jax. After returning to his home town a Duke steps foot in Stan’s a bar owned by Shanna. The moment he saw her, he knew he had to have her. The personal obstacles that Duke and Shanna have to go through to see if they get their happy ending keeps you turning the pages of this book. I highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What to say about this book...i absolutely loved it. It was a tale of two people who started out in life being protected but never having the life that they wanted or deserved. Then jump a few years ahead for some reasons that bring them together. Throughout this story we see so many different sides to both of them that we can help fall in love with them. Through the heartache, turmoil, agony, laughs memories and love with see them finally find the other half of each others soul. This book is a MUST read. Please take the time to read it. Jax Hart for the first book that I've read from you, I'd say that you have a massive hit on your hands and I'm so looking forward to reading what's next in your arsenal of writing. If I could give it more that 6 stars I would so I'll give it the highest rating possible, 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy
I actually wasn't that interested in reading this first book but I was super interested in reading the second book. I still am interested in that second book but this one ended up being a little disappointing.
The writing, for the most part was super easy to get through and I wanted to keep reading till the end. I did have a problem with how time passed. Sometimes it seemed like it was minutes or a day later but then there would be a mention that an incident that seemed like it was moments before was actually 2 or 3 weeks ago and I was all sorts of confused. It happened more than once, so I think it's the writing, not just a sentence that was structured oddly.
So this started out good. I was on board and I liked the little bit of push and pull we got from the characters. Until that push and pull got over the top ridiculous. Duke and Shanna gave me whip lash with how much (and how quick) they went from, "I love you, you're mine, and I'm never leaving you" to "I hate you, stay away from me, and I'm done." Along that same vein,
Shanna annoyed me...a lot. She wants to be independent, she says she's independent, and that's great, I support that. BUT independent doesn't mean be stupid.
So I, in general don't mind when both parties are not together, that they are with other people. And when Shanna goes on her date (the first one with Spence), that didn't bother me. All the other times she went out with him and the OW Duke was with, I could have really done without. It wasn't cheating, they weren't together or in a very big grey area during those times but I really didn't need the details.
Overall I did like this but there were so many issues that just bugged me that it hindered my enjoyment a little.
At eighteen Duke couldn't get away from his father, his hometown, fast enough. Now years later, he's back in Springdale and ready to take what he wants. Shanna owns the local watering hole/restaurant as well as attending college. She too has deep ties in Springdale. Her father along with Duke's are the founding members of the Creed MC. Shanna is too good for the club; too innocent for the MC and Duke. Shanna has plans to move away and start a new life. Duke came home to handle family business, but after seeing Shanna, all he wants is to get his hands on her. He doesn't care that she's off limits and protected by the remaining members of the chapter. He doesn't care that he's much older and she's an innocent. He just wants, needs her with every fiber of his being. Shanna is feisty and stubborn. Duke is also stubborn but determined. Determined to make Shanna his and only his. And he makes his intentions known. Shanna has big plans that don't include Duke. Duke has plans too and they most certainly involve Shanna. They are pulled in opposite directions. Between school, the bar and helping out at home, Shanna needs more time to sort it all out. Duke is impatient. He wants forever with Shanna to start now. But fate is fickle and she has a strong right hook that would knock a lesser man out. This is my first read by Jax and I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED ! He just moved to my list of MUST READ AUTHORS & AUTO ONE-CLICK ! AMAZING READ WITH WELL WRITTEN, COMPLEX CHARACTERS ! FLUID WRITING WITH UNEXPECTED TWISTS ! INSANE CHEMISTRY WITH INTENSE CRAVING ! ! ! SEX ON STEROIDS ! ! ! AMAZING FROM BEGINNING TO END !
After a difficult childhood with mixed parents and relations, Duke skips his hometown and leaves his family in the past. After two decades have passed where he fought various tours in deployment, Duke is back home to bury his father. Whilst stopping off for a beer in a local biker bar, Duke meets Shanna, a woman half his age but twice his obsession.
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this one as I love a good age gap romance. The bare bones of the plot were a good base and I liked the backstory, however the timeline and story had gaps that left me scratching my head a few times. I also wasn’t a fan of the two steps forward and 50 steps back of the romance between Duke and Shanna. Although Shanna was portrayed as being an ‘old soul’ her immaturity at times drove me mad and Duke with his reasoning had me yelling at the kindle.
The story did pick up about halfway and the romance started to develop but I still couldn’t get a feel for the connection between Duke and Shanna. Nice ending though and I loved the epilogue. I mainly picked this up to read due to the next book in the series being released. Overall it was a good base to understand about the Creed history and background but for me it needed more romance and connection between the two main characters. For me this was a three star read.
Duke is one of those stories that doesn't happen too often. It's steamy, emotional, and fraught with suspense and passion.
When Duke comes back into town for his father's funeral, he's in no way prepared to meet the woman who will bring him to his knees. Shanna is much younger than Duke, she's feisty, she's tough, and she wants away from this town and from the MC who have protected her her whole life. Then in walks big, bad, sexy Duke and suddenly her life is turned on its axis because the man takes one look at her and decides he wants her. And get her, he does, regardless of the many obstacles he has to run through to get her.
I can't tell you how much I loved this story. It's not just super steamy, it's got suspense and intrigue, and above all, the love these two feel for each other is the kind of love we all want at least once in our lives. Jax Hart has a new fan in me thanks to Duke, I can't wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, suspense, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Shanna and Duke’s story. Shanna was raised in a town by men would would do anything including die for her. Her family is part of a MC of brothers. She just wants out. But she loves Duke can she have him? Duke stopped into a bar where is father used to spends his days. What he didn’t know was he was about to find his future. He’s a marine so he knows what it’s like to fight for what you want. He wants her. Can these two make it work? Or is some out to make sure it does not?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I’m in love with all things Creed! Duke is one emotional, wild ride! I felt like I was part of the story and actually knew the characters as if they were my friends. I wanted to melt at the chemistry between Duke and Shanna and simultaneously slap both of them silly for the choices they made. But in the end, isn’t it the choices good and bad that make a story more realistic and believable. The author introduces us to side characters that I just have to know more about - their stories need to be told! I felt so many emotions on this journey: pain, fear, angst, anger, lust, frustration, and mainly a love that refused to due no matter the obstacles that may arise and willing to do the right thing no matter how personally painful it might be. Fabulous read!
A well written story of nice length. Nice storyline and plot. Flows well of the pages. I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. That makes the story even more emotional and captivating. The twists and turns are so unexpected that they made it worth the read. This story is captivating from start to finish and I read it in one sitting. It is fun, hot, steamy, passionate, sexy, dramatic and full of emotional ups and downs. Instant attraction is what Duke feels when he sees Shanna in the bar. But they both have a lot of bagage they have to solved before they can continue their journey towards a HEA. It is absolutely not easy but do they make it? No spoilers here but it is worth the read.
OMG Duke and Shanna story from the minute i started listen, Duke meets Shanna in bar she owes. They have undeniably attraction, Theres twists along the way that jump out you that you dont see coming. if you like MC romance with a great story line, great characters and lots of emotion, this Audio is for you. Rodney does an awesome job of narration
Oh my where do I begin. This book is remarkable. Duke and Shanna are the most over the top, perfect for each other, I love them both characters. This story will touch your soul. Rip you apart and glue you back together. This is one fantastic journey. The writing and flow of this book is above and beyond amazing. Highly recommend this book.
After reading Jax’s debut novella, His Dirty Girl, I knew he had a knack for writing hot, sexy stories. After reading Duke, though, Jax has proven he has the ability to produce a story which stirs emotions, creates drama, introduces likable characters, and oh yeah, it’s still hot and sexy.
Duke left Springdale at 18 to escape a future he didn’t want for himself. A future in his father’s MC. When he returns 20 years later to bury the father he never forgave, he finds you can’t outrun destiny. And his is running the bar in town in cut off shorts and a low cut tank top.
Shanna has taken over running her dad’s old stomping grounds. Stan’s has been a hang out for bikers for years but Shanna has worked tirelessly to improve the bar itself and its clientele.
Twists and turns, ups and downs, forgiveness and regret, this book has them all. One thing’s for sure, you can’t fight fate.
5 Stars I give Duke by Jax Hart five Stars. This is book one of the Creed MC Series and is considered a new adult and contemporary series. This book is very well written and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout with the twist and turn the author put in the book. You will be wondering to the very end of the book if the two characters will get their happy ever after.
Shanna Flynn was raised in a small town by her father and his group of MC men. They treated her like a princess but also made her feel like a prisoner in her own life. Like all MC groups, these men live by a code, that code is to protect what is theirs. Thanks to this archaic mentality she is still being babysat in her 20’s and she is sick and tired of living this way.
Duke Master’s, a retired Marine, wants nothing to do with the MC life. His father was the Co-founder of the Creed MC club. When he came home for a visit he decided to visit the old dive bar his father would spend his days at. Duke didn’t realize that this one decision was going to change his life forever. When he walked into the bar and took one look at the bartender, Shanna, he knew that he would be back and would make that girl his. He had a feeling she was going to be trouble but did not realize she would but up such a fight.
Will Duke and Shanna make the right decisions and fight for what they want and what they need or will the choices they make separate them forever. You must read this amazing book to find out!
This book has some strong language and had some violence but it was tastefully done and didn’t have to much detail. There was some sexual content and the scenes are amazingly written and very very hot. This is the second book I have read by Jax Hart and he has me hooked. He has an amazing writing style and I cannot wait to read more of his books. I had a very hard time putting this book down to deal with real life, this is a must read!
Shanna has been around the MC her whole life it is not the life she wants for herself. As soon as she finishes school she can’t get out of town fast enough but in the interim she manages the family bar and looks after her father. She’s trying to break free from the life she was born into, a life she never wanted. Putting herself through school while running the family bar and caring for her aging father has made her even more determined that the MC life is just not for her.
Spence is the man she’s spent her whole life believing she should be with. Good home. Good education. Clean life. Charming and absolutely adoring her in ways she doesn’t truly appreciate or even understand. They start out as only friends but decide to try dating. But then...
In saunters Duke. Big, bold and sexy as hell. He captivates her from the very beginning. Retired Marine Duke has returned to his hometown for the first time in years to attend his father’s funeral. What was supposed to be a one-day trip develops into more as he can’t deny his attraction to Shanna even though he is much older than she is and they are on different life paths.
Danger is the one thing that he inadvertently brings into her life and in more ways than one. There's the danger of loving this magnetic man , a man who could change all her carefully planned out and meticulously placed plans. The one man with ties to not only her father’s old MC but to the bar she owns as well. What will she do?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Duke is the first book that I've read by Jax Hart, and I found the writing style to be talented, and quite addictive, as I read cover to cover in one sitting. Duke left home when he turned 18 to get away from his biker father, with the vow that he wouldn't get involved in the MC. And that works for him until his father passes away & he comes home to bury him, which sets off a series of events that may leave him no choice. Not to mention, at that time, he comes face to face with Shanna, and he decides that he's going to make her his. She puts him through the paces, as she has no intentions of staying in town, and wants nothing to do with any bikers. But, Duke is pulled in to the MC life when a new president starts causing trouble, which forces his hand. Will he & Shanna ever get a happily ever after? Duke & Shanna's push & pull was very frustrating, as their chemistry was off the charts flammable! And when it finally exploded, the sexy times lit everything in close proximity on fire. They are both very stubborn individuals that I wanted to shake at different times throughout the story, but still found myself quite attached to them. And the cast of secondaries were very colorful, and brought some humor to the story, not to mention more drama. Finally, the twists that came out of nowhere definitely had me dropping f-bombs right & left. I CANNOT WAIT to read more by this author, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Shanna has been brought up. cosseted and protected by her dad's MC in a relatively isolated area. She is wilful, a strong feisty personality but , at times, a bit immature. Her life changes for the better one day when a stranger to her walks into the MC bar. His name is Duke and he has a worthless father, is an ex-Marine and is a biker too. He is ALL MAN! He has a dark exterior persona with flashbacks from his time in the military and he is loyal to a fault. But underneath he is protective, caring and all ready to love his woman when he finds her. When I say that there is chemistry between them, I mean RED HOT all out blistering sizzling heat that is ready to explode. And what an explosion! This is the first book that I've read by Jax Hart but it will NOT be the last!! WOW. Swoon even. he really knows how to draw you into his story and keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next and if Duke and Shanna will get their HEA. May I just make the observation that he is obviously an expert at creating sensual scenes that will make you reach for ALL the fans in your house, plus the air con to set to max cool as his writing is HOT. I loved the twists in the story and the humour! I can't wait for the next book of his to read.�� I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jax Hart is brand new to me and I gotta say I really liked this book. Sexy. Gritty. Intense. For me not being a huge MC reader, I'm selective when I go new but thankfully Jax didn't miss much, delivering an unforgettable, powerful-from-the-first-page, romance with one seriously over the top alpha that is going to have you all in your feelings right from the start.
She's become his obsession but she has no idea how deep it runs. He's everything she wants to escape yet the pull to him... she may not be able to escape.
Holy smokes!! Duke and Shanna are in for quite the journey that you'll never ever see coming at times y'all. Duke was a raw, sexy, flawed story about two people that put up one hell of a fight on each side the whole time. I could tell these two were gonna get twisted and complicated when I met them but maaaan I never expected to twist me up the way they did.
Edge of your seat. Can't get enough in certain moments. Scorching heat at times. But through it all, every single moment...one thing is undeniable, the chemistry and draw between them was everything and their love, explosive.