by Stephanie Tyler
Series: Skulls Creek #1
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The Vipers Motorcycle Club has strict rules for their brotherhood and the women who enter it. Now one Viper is about to find out how much trouble one woman can be…… Former Army Ranger Christian Cage Owens joined the Vipers Motorcycle Club for its sense of brotherhood. In return, he pledged to live outside the law, protecting club members and their families, as well as keeping other MCs out of Skulls Creek. But when Cage discovers that a rival MC—one Cage has an all too familiar past with—plans to push meth into his town, he calls an old Army buddy turned private investigator who’s helped the Vipers in the past. By doing so, Cage endangers both his friend and Calla, a woman who works in the PI’s office. Now he’s made it his mission to track Calla down and do whatever it takes to protect her. Thanks to the phone call with Cage, Calla knows she’s formed a deep connection to a dangerous man. She quickly discovers that although he may live by a different set of rules, Cage is an honorable man who wants to be more than her protector—if only she can accept his dangerous lifestyle. But Calla comes to Skulls Creek with her own set of secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage—and the Vipers MC—apart. As they put their new found love to the ultimate test, Cage will risk everything he cares about to save her……
I am always game to try a new genre. When I saw the cover and read the synopsis for Vipers Run, I decided try it. Vipers Run is the first in the Skulls Creek series by Stephanie Tyler. Vipers Run offered former Army Rangers, motorcycles and promised danger. While I enjoyed Vipers Run, you have to suspend belief a little and just enjoy the ride.
Caffeinated Aspects:
• An interesting storyline regarding Former Army Ranger Christian Cage Owens, the small town of Skull Creek. Danger, turf wars and family made the tale interesting.
• I found the life of the Vipers to be bizarre and fascinating. Their code, sense of family, hierarchy and impact on this small town were not what I expected.
• It was interesting how honorable these men were despite their activities, especially those that skirted around the law. For example, it was ok to run a chop shop, sell guns overseas but try to sell crack to kids, and they will take you out.
• Relationships between the woman and men were fascinating. Not my cup of tea by any means, but the dynamics and “mine” mentality intrigued me. Tyler broke down the groups of woman, and allowed us to be privy to the inter-working of the group.
• The characters were unique and had their own voice. I liked Cage, even if he had some alpha tendencies. He protected those he loves and is loyal. Calla was colorful, and her back history allowed me to sympathizes, despite how damaged she was.
Decaffeinated Aspects:
• Major insta-love. I give Tyler credit for a unique form of insta-love and despite rolling my eyes in the beginning I did feel the connection between them, and wanted them to find their happy.
• The tale was developed, but I would have appreciated more details. Some of the secondary characters that piqued my interest saw very little page time. I am hoping we eventually get their stories. This was a small town community and I wanted those side-stories.
• Sometimes I felt the intense action scenes were rushed, particularly about the villain. The climactic scene towards the end progressed rapidly and skipped details. It was intense but was snuffed out way to fast making me feel cheated.
Overall Vipers Run was an intense, interesting and entertaining read. Fans of MC novels will probably offer stronger opinions. I can say that I was never bored and invested enough to get the outcome. I can also state without a doubt that I will not be joining any bike clubs.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jessica
Hmm . . . I am a big fan of MC novels, so this is already on my watchlist . . . and it may stay there for awhile. I do make allowances for these types of books that I don’t make for more standard romance b/c the culture is very important, but insta-love never floats my boat, and rushed action scenes and anticlimactic villain resolutions aren’t culture related and therefore do not get a pass. Hopefully the next book will be better. Great review! Thanks for sharing 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am told her first books in new series are never the strongest. I do give her creds for the most rapid and unique insta-love I have ever read.
Lupdilup
Undeniable by Madelin Sheehan was my first MC novel, and my thoughts were pretty close to yours. This guys have a twisted sense of morality, but in the own way they are honorable. I never thought I would enjoy this kind of book, but I did. In fact, I loved it! That’s the reason I started to watch SOA..lol. I hadn’t heard of this series until now, now I don’t know if will find it repetitive since it sounds so much like the book I mentioned, or maybe is like werewolves and vampires books, they are themed the same but they are all different.
Thank you Kimba 🙂 I hope you had a great 4th of July. I managed to stayed of line for almost 2 days!! Unbelievable..lol
kimbacaffeinate
I wanted more deets, and loved aspects, but others disappointed. I am not a fan of SOA.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, the mine is very alpha but typical for this type of hero. It is different and not something I would read a steady diet of, but a fun fantasy for an afternoon!
Lark
I like honorable guys, but I’m not so sure about the skirting the law stuff. Also I’m not a fan of insta-love or heavy-duty possessiveness (which is how I’m interpreting the “mine” stuff; correct me if I’m wrong!) Anyway, it sounds like this has some good elements and an interesting story, but enough of the not-really-me stuff that I don’t feel I need to read it — and right now, that’s a good thing! I want to get some stuff OFF my list, not put more on it!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I like romantic suspense, but the insta-love parts just put me out. Not sure if this one is for me, but I am about to read some romantic suspense by Tiffany Snow if I can get a moment to read my own books. LOL
kimbacaffeinate
It was unique Melissa. I am going to try book two before I make a decision.
Braine Talk Supe
Have you read her Section 8 series? Book 1 was similar to this too, insta-love and meh parts but the sequel was good. I’m starting to think “beginnings” are really not her thing. That said, i’m excited to get into this, get it out of the way and get ready for book 2. Happy 4th!
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first MC read, and first read by this author. Thanks for your valuable input, I think I will try book two then and see how it goes.
Diana Leigh
You know, I used to enjoy the whole “mine” mentality. Now, not so much, lol. Very hot cover, though!
kimbacaffeinate
It depends, here it makes perfect sense. These dudes are all alpha.
Lori
I love an alpha male as much as the next girl but the insta-love is a bit of a turn off, especially in contemporary romance. This isn’t the type of book I’d ever pick up on my own but the story line and your review has me intrigued! Happy 4th of July!
kimbacaffeinate
I can handle insta-love especially in romantic suspense..but this took it to a whole new level!
Candace
I don’t know that this would be for me, but it sounds very interesting and different.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Candace. Happy 4th of July!
kindlemom1
Boo on the insta love but I am glad it became believable for you.
I think I like that the family dynamic in this was different and not your usual kind of read. Sounds interesting!
Have a happy and safe 4th Kim and don’t work too hard today. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was different, and it is always fun mixing things up.
brandileigh2003
Sad to hear about the insta love but having each character unique with their own voices is a plus.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Brandi. Have a Happy 4th of July!
Lily
Urgh i’m kind of turned off by this one alone because of the major instalove. I have a deep hatred for instalove LOL
kimbacaffeinate
I give it credit for being the most unique one I have ever read!
Nick
I’m not sure that this is the book for me, particularly the insta-love part and because of how rushed some of the scenes are. It’s a shame, because I’m curious about the motorcycle club.
I’m glad you still found some good elements to the story, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I wanted the intense dangerous moments to be drawn out more, and it was all wait? What? It’s over?
Carmel
I’ve been on the fence as to whether I should read this one for quite some time, but now after reading your review I’m leaning towards no. There are a few deal breakers in your decaffeinated aspects, plus I’m sooo far behind after taking 2 weeks off. Thanks for making my job easier!
kimbacaffeinate
I might hold off to see how book two fairs. Welcome back and congrats!
Rashika
I actually read the first book in the author’s other MC club series (I think the name of the first book was Defiance but I am not a 100% sure) and really enjoyed it.
Insta-love does have a way of throwing me off though so I am not sure how I’d feel about this 🙁
I am still adding it to my tbr list because I am curious 😛
Lovely review, Kimba! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Rumor has it, that her first books aren’t as strong and then the series takes off.
Kacii
Sounds like a good book 🙂
Kacii
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kacii have a wonderful 4th!
Silvia
Yesterday Anna and today you, huh? It sounds to me like you’re trying to ‘push’ me on a motorcycle ride…which I will probably end up having at some point, just for the fun of it 😛 Seriously, I’m not very much into insta-love either, but overall this sounds like an enjoyable read, so I will keep it in mind.
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha, I missed Anna’s post and will check it out.
Carolyn (Book Chick City)
I will admit to loving a bit of alpha male, I’ve had this book on pre-order in the UK, so hope to get it soon. It’s great that you try and read out of your comfort zone, I like doing that too. Sometimes I’m surprised at what I find, and that my preconceptions are just wrong. Did you like it enough to continue the series though?
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you love it, I like alpha males too, I think my biggest gripe was that the intense climatic scenes were hurried. I like them drawn out. Thanks Carolyn!
blodeuedd
I do have one of her older books so I will see if I like her style then
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first read 🙂
Vilia
I’ve read all the books in her Hold and Shadow Force series and she definitely does Alpha men well. I can’t help but giggle at the situations her characters end up in.
kimbacaffeinate
I love the alpha type in this kind of book, and I am going to give book two a go and see what happens.
Siiri
I love me some honorable men.! And good to hear thatt he characters are different 🙂 Then again, insta-love! Ughhhh. Since romantic suspense isn’t really my cup of tea anyway, I don’t think I’d like to read an insta-love story as well. Though I trust you when you say it’s unique. I’m glad you enjoyed it asa whole even though you had some problems. Great review!
Siiri @ Little Pieces of Imagination
kimbacaffeinate
I give her credit for the most unique insta-love I have ever encountered and I enjoyed aspects of this 🙂