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The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC #7
Counter to My Intelligence
Sometimes the heart wants what it can’t have.
That’s the motto Silas Mackenzie, the president of The Dixie Wardens MC, has lived by since he was a young man.
Now he’s well on the way to middle age, has three grown children and he’s lusting after a woman he should definitely stay away from.
Especially not one that his ex-girlfriend had given birth to, and happens to be only twenty-nine years old.
Sawyer isn’t a young girl at heart, though.
She’s seen the inside of a jail cell for eight long years, and every one of them was spent paying for a crime she didn’t commit.
Silas Mackenzie knows as soon as he sees her that the she has sacrificed enough.
And maybe…just maybe…so has he.
It’s time for Silas Mackenzie to get what he deserves, and, in the process, put a little bit of happy back into Sawyer’s world, one rough, bearded kiss at a time.
That’s the motto Silas Mackenzie, the president of The Dixie Wardens MC, has lived by since he was a young man.
Now he’s well on the way to middle age, has three grown children and he’s lusting after a woman he should definitely stay away from.
Especially not one that his ex-girlfriend had given birth to, and happens to be only twenty-nine years old.
Sawyer isn’t a young girl at heart, though.
She’s seen the inside of a jail cell for eight long years, and every one of them was spent paying for a crime she didn’t commit.
Silas Mackenzie knows as soon as he sees her that the she has sacrificed enough.
And maybe…just maybe…so has he.
It’s time for Silas Mackenzie to get what he deserves, and, in the process, put a little bit of happy back into Sawyer’s world, one rough, bearded kiss at a time.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2016
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
149 books6,931 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
January 20, 2016
4.5 Stars
Basic Info
Standalone or Part of a Series:
MF, Ménage, etc.:
POV:
Triggers:
Cheating:
Descriptive Sex with OW/OM:
HEA:
Safety Gang Notes:
Personal Overview
Sawyer was a bright and happy nursing student until one night, while driving her boyfriend and best friend back from a party, a car crosses her path and her life was irrevocably changed.
As a consequence to the accident, four people were dead and she was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Now, eight and a half years after, she is free, but she is no longer that person, but a woman with so many demons and guilt that she can barely breathe.
And then we have Silas, the president of The Dixie Wardens MC, and before I start the rant (OK, I promise I'll control myself...LOL), I would like to point out that I have nothing against the cover model, au contraire, but when I picture Silas (according to his descriptions) there are a bunch of graying short haired and short bearded, blue eyed rugged DILFs out there that fit the bill better, IMO, such as this one.
Ok, we could need to roughen him up even more but he would be perfect, and then the age gap and her attraction to him would be undeniable. But hey, that is just my opinion, and it's worth what is worth...LOL
Now back to the character, he has made appearances although out this author's books and we know that his past is less than savory (especially for someone like me that ab horrors cheating in my readings) as I mentioned in the point 'cheating', so I will just say that he made me give him a clean slate, the author was able to make me forget my grudge against his past and that is quite a feat since I'm a resentful bitch (worse than a scorned woman, because normally I just can't let it go - sorry, Elsa - no way, no how). So that just shows you how much his character, and especially his actions forced me to really look at him, and see a new person with stood up to his mistakes, was honest and wonderful to Sawyer.
Now, let's go to that, the present Silas...
Silas, is a mature man, and his position on the MC is a reflexion of his personality, he is a confident, what you see is what you get, straight shooter. Like any club member, his club brothers are his extended family, and we feel his longing for a better connection with his sons and daughter's family (especially Sam), but he fully accepts that the decisions he made to protect them in their past will forever be remember only by the bad part, not the good that came out of them.
Silas was aware of Sawyer's predicament mainly because he was dating her mother (I know, I know, normally that his another of my triggers, but I felt it was more a companionship of two lonely persons than really dating, they never had sex, and only kissed, so it really didn't bother me), and was intrigued by the situation, which surprised even himself... LOL
But when Sawyer came out, and he came face to face with her there was a magnetic pull between them, that both try to deny and fight.
Since fate really put them literally in each others path, and the attraction was so strong they decide to let it go, and give in to the pull. And boy, oh boy, were they HOT together, the sex scenes were of the charts, and Silas, OMG he takes dominant to a whole new level... ;)
Of course they try to fight their feelings, and not get emotional involved, being straight that they want only a physical relationship, only sex.
But as we all know, life is not always as we plan, and they start getting more and more involved with the other's life while having some crazy hot sex where Silas makes very clear ( in a orgasmic way ;) ) how their dynamic is going to work...
I love how the author manages to provide us some humorous moments that perfectly balance the heavy themes, and always crack me up.
One of the things that made me love Silas was his honesty, and he way he opened up to Sawyer, and when he know he was having strong feeling for her, he didn't keep them to himself.
And before he confessed that to her, he fully disclosed everything about his life, his past, his mistakes, errors and his deepest regrets. That truly surprised me, and Sawyer, it seemed, but it was a wonderful thing to see a strong and confident character like his open himself up like that, and show a huge vulnerability and fear of getting hurt.
Sawyer took a second to analyze his reveal, aware of the wrong that he had done, but saw how much he regretted all those mistakes, understood his reasoning but was strong and said what she felt about the situation.
Once they clear all that up, there was no way of going back for them (not that they wanted it!), and it made Silas (and us as a reader) understand why (unconsciously) he had made some of that bad choices in the past.
And this realization was the final step for him to come to peace with his dark past and open himself up for the future with Sawyer.
So together they fought each other demons, , overcame all their fear regarding love, and are really for everything that may come their way.
Like I said before it was an amazing story, that surprised me and made me wish for even more from them. Wish a will surely get in the next book, but I want it now! Feb. 3rd can't come fast enough (pouting...)!
Basic Info
Standalone or Part of a Series:
MF, Ménage, etc.:
POV:
Triggers:
Cheating:
Descriptive Sex with OW/OM:
HEA:
Safety Gang Notes:
Personal Overview
Sawyer was a bright and happy nursing student until one night, while driving her boyfriend and best friend back from a party, a car crosses her path and her life was irrevocably changed.
As a consequence to the accident, four people were dead and she was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Now, eight and a half years after, she is free, but she is no longer that person, but a woman with so many demons and guilt that she can barely breathe.
There would be no healing for me.
There would just be existing.
And that’s all that there would ever be.
Existing, alone.
I was a horrible, no good, very bad person and not a single day went by that I didn’t wish it was me that’d died that day instead of them.
That would be awesome… if I were worth having that.
But I wasn’t, so I wasn’t going to look too much into it.
What was the point?
They didn’t know me.
And they didn’t need to. I was worthless.
And then we have Silas, the president of The Dixie Wardens MC, and before I start the rant (OK, I promise I'll control myself...LOL), I would like to point out that I have nothing against the cover model, au contraire, but when I picture Silas (according to his descriptions) there are a bunch of graying short haired and short bearded, blue eyed rugged DILFs out there that fit the bill better, IMO, such as this one.
Ok, we could need to roughen him up even more but he would be perfect, and then the age gap and her attraction to him would be undeniable. But hey, that is just my opinion, and it's worth what is worth...LOL
Now back to the character, he has made appearances although out this author's books and we know that his past is less than savory (especially for someone like me that ab horrors cheating in my readings) as I mentioned in the point 'cheating', so I will just say that he made me give him a clean slate, the author was able to make me forget my grudge against his past and that is quite a feat since I'm a resentful bitch (worse than a scorned woman, because normally I just can't let it go - sorry, Elsa - no way, no how). So that just shows you how much his character, and especially his actions forced me to really look at him, and see a new person with stood up to his mistakes, was honest and wonderful to Sawyer.
Now, let's go to that, the present Silas...
Silas, is a mature man, and his position on the MC is a reflexion of his personality, he is a confident, what you see is what you get, straight shooter. Like any club member, his club brothers are his extended family, and we feel his longing for a better connection with his sons and daughter's family (especially Sam), but he fully accepts that the decisions he made to protect them in their past will forever be remember only by the bad part, not the good that came out of them.
Silas was aware of Sawyer's predicament mainly because he was dating her mother (I know, I know, normally that his another of my triggers, but I felt it was more a companionship of two lonely persons than really dating, they never had sex, and only kissed, so it really didn't bother me), and was intrigued by the situation, which surprised even himself... LOL
I didn’t really want to know, but the fucking brothers had turned me into a fuckin’ gossip whore.(Silas' inner thoughts)
But when Sawyer came out, and he came face to face with her there was a magnetic pull between them, that both try to deny and fight.
I’m not a person known for his good decisions.
I knew I shouldn’t take her.
Knew it was bad on way too many levels.
Yet my dick and my mind were in complete agreement.
And I was a big believer in fate.(Silas' inner thought)
Since fate really put them literally in each others path, and the attraction was so strong they decide to let it go, and give in to the pull. And boy, oh boy, were they HOT together, the sex scenes were of the charts, and Silas, OMG he takes dominant to a whole new level... ;)
Of course they try to fight their feelings, and not get emotional involved, being straight that they want only a physical relationship, only sex.
“I don’t do relationships. And whatever this is, it’s not going to be hearts and flowers. I don’t have time for that,” he said again.
She shrugged. “I don’t have time for hearts and flowers anyway. It’s just not for me.”
But as we all know, life is not always as we plan, and they start getting more and more involved with the other's life while having some crazy hot sex where Silas makes very clear ( in a orgasmic way ;) ) how their dynamic is going to work...
“When I tell you to do something…I expect you to do it. I’m not a man like any of the others you may have known. I’m older and set in my ways, I expect things to be done the way I want them done, and all that means you need to follow my directions. Everything I do and say has a purpose, and that purpose is what’s in your best interest. So from now on, in all ways, you obey me,”
I love how the author manages to provide us some humorous moments that perfectly balance the heavy themes, and always crack me up.
“I didn’t know his favorite anything, and I’d had sex with him multiple times!
I knew how he liked his cock sucked, though.
Which I guess was better than knowing he preferred chopped brisket to sliced brisket.”
One of the things that made me love Silas was his honesty, and he way he opened up to Sawyer, and when he know he was having strong feeling for her, he didn't keep them to himself.
“Why are you telling me this?” I gasped, tears starting to leak down my cheeks.
“Because you need to understand,” he said, bending down to press his lips against my face. “Because I think I’m falling for you when I promised myself I’d never do this ever again. Because it hurts too fucking bad.”
And before he confessed that to her, he fully disclosed everything about his life, his past, his mistakes, errors and his deepest regrets. That truly surprised me, and Sawyer, it seemed, but it was a wonderful thing to see a strong and confident character like his open himself up like that, and show a huge vulnerability and fear of getting hurt.
But I couldn’t help feeling it was wrong, what he’d done.
That it was wrong of me to want to be with him. (Sawyer's inner thought upon the reveal)
Sawyer took a second to analyze his reveal, aware of the wrong that he had done, but saw how much he regretted all those mistakes, understood his reasoning but was strong and said what she felt about the situation.
“But I like you too much to leave. Just know that if you ever get into a circumstance where you have to do anything similar to that to me, I’ll tear down heaven and earth to have you at my side. I won’t tolerate cheating under any circumstance, even if it’s supposedly to protect me. Understand?”
He smiled, a brilliant one that made my heart throb in my chest.
“Yeah, I gotcha.”
Once they clear all that up, there was no way of going back for them (not that they wanted it!), and it made Silas (and us as a reader) understand why (unconsciously) he had made some of that bad choices in the past.
It’d been her eyes.
The innocence in them.
I was drawn to that.
It drew me in every, single time.
Which had been the reason I’d fallen for Sawyer, too.
Now, though, I knew she was nothing like Leslie.
She was stronger.
She was someone I’d never in my life cheat on. She knew all about me, and I knew there’d never be a time that I kept a goddamn
And this realization was the final step for him to come to peace with his dark past and open himself up for the future with Sawyer.
“Hell, now that I had Sawyer, I realized just how much I didn’t love Leslie.
Because what I felt for Sawyer, I knew, was real love.
It was unshakable.
This love…it would withstand the test of time.
She got me, and I got her.
Before her, every damn night, I’d dream of how my life could’ve been.
Now, with Sawyer in it, I dreamed of what our life will be like.”
So together they fought each other demons, , overcame all their fear regarding love, and are really for everything that may come their way.
“And even though he was still hurt and had some healing to do, I knew everything was going to be alright.
Because Silas would make sure it was.
He’d never stop fighting for me, and I would do the same for him.
Because I loved him, and he loved me.
It was just as simple as that.”
Like I said before it was an amazing story, that surprised me and made me wish for even more from them. Wish a will surely get in the next book, but I want it now! Feb. 3rd can't come fast enough (pouting...)!
June 3, 2019
I said it before and I'll say it again. You can't go wrong with a Lani Lynn Vale book. I had my doubts about this one because of the age difference. But she not only pulled it off she hit it out of the park. Sawyer was your typical college kid. One bad decision and a guilty conscience and her life is forever changed. This book starts with a prologue from the past but jumps right into Sawyer being released from jail. Silas is his typical alpha self but we see a softer side of him. We always known he sacrificed for his kids but you really don't know how much until now. Also Sawyer and him connect on a different level. They don't judge each other while being judged by everyone else including family. I loved how the story progress and we didn't see them fall head over heals in love after one night but did see some heals over head pretty early. If you haven't picked up this series then you should. You can read as a stand alone but some parts of the book will be lost to you. Can't go wrong with this author though.
January 7, 2016
Holy amazeballs Batman!!
This book was awesome, seriously SO good!
Everyone who has read this series knows Silas hasn't always been such a great guy, so I was curious how this author was going to get me on board for a HEA with him. I shouldn't have worried, because not only did she get me on board, she made me fall in love with Silas...
Did he cheat on his wife, yes, but he had a pretty good reason IMO. Being undercover for the CIA he did a lot of things to keep the people he cared about safe. I'm sure some will say that's just an excuse, and there isn't ever a reason to cheat. Normally I would be first in line with that thought, but the author does such a good job in this book of making Silas a hero worthy of a HEA, that his past didn't bother me for a second!
The relationship that forms between him and Sawyer, was just so sweet, sexy, and frigging HOT! Also, for anyone wondering, he had more of a friendship with Sawyer's mother, then a relationship. It's not even an issue with anyone in the book, and I never felt any off feelings about the situation.
I simply LOVED this whole stinking book! It made me cry, and smile...GO READ THIS BOOK! ;)
This book was awesome, seriously SO good!
Everyone who has read this series knows Silas hasn't always been such a great guy, so I was curious how this author was going to get me on board for a HEA with him. I shouldn't have worried, because not only did she get me on board, she made me fall in love with Silas...
Did he cheat on his wife, yes, but he had a pretty good reason IMO. Being undercover for the CIA he did a lot of things to keep the people he cared about safe. I'm sure some will say that's just an excuse, and there isn't ever a reason to cheat. Normally I would be first in line with that thought, but the author does such a good job in this book of making Silas a hero worthy of a HEA, that his past didn't bother me for a second!
The relationship that forms between him and Sawyer, was just so sweet, sexy, and frigging HOT! Also, for anyone wondering, he had more of a friendship with Sawyer's mother, then a relationship. It's not even an issue with anyone in the book, and I never felt any off feelings about the situation.
I simply LOVED this whole stinking book! It made me cry, and smile...GO READ THIS BOOK! ;)
July 16, 2022
Okay, so this was one of the books I was looking forward to the most. It's Silas, y'all!! There were so many moving parts and people to this story that I find myself craving more.
What developed between Silas and Sawyer was quick and easy. I liked that she seemed so well-suited for him. I think at this point in his life, he needed what she had to offer. And while my heart broke for everything Sawyer had to live through, such as eight years in prison for a crime she didn't commit, suffering atrocities at the hands of prison guards, the bullying of the townspeople, I was happy that she had someone like Silas and his people at her back.
So what else did I find in this book?
⭐ I got my first real glimpse of Lynn (you can find him in Repeat Offender). In this book he's known as Black Jack and although I learned quite a bit about him in his own book, seeing him in this light was quite the experience. I wonder if he'll pop up again in these original stories.
⭐ knowing that Silas (and Lynn) are CIA and actually seeing it in action are two different things
⭐ Silas shaved off his braided beard (although he does sound super hot without it)
⭐ Sterling, the Navy SEAL who has popped up now and then, makes an appearance and I think his book is next. There was a definite spark between him and Ruthie (Sawyer's bestie/cell mate)
⭐ Silas visiting Tunnel's grave... heartbreaking. He carries so many burdens as it is and it hurt to see how much losing Torren had effected him
You want a story full of heart, drama and intrigue? Read this book!
January 8, 2016
4.75 stars
I have read quite a few books by Lani Lynn Vale and Counter To My Intelligence would have to be one of my favorites. I really loved Sawyer. She is such a fantastic strong heroine. Silas now he is a hero that you either are going to love or hate. Fortunately I loved him despite him sometimes being a bossy moody alpha. I liked how there wasn't a lot drama in their relationship.
I definitely recommend this to fans of Lani Lynn Vale or if you are in the mood for a low angst romance.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM:
Safety Group Note:
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
Any couple separation:
Is this book part of series: Yes. However this is the first book I have read in the Dixie Warden series . I had read her other series so I knew of Silas and his story. You could read this book as standalone.
I have read quite a few books by Lani Lynn Vale and Counter To My Intelligence would have to be one of my favorites. I really loved Sawyer. She is such a fantastic strong heroine. Silas now he is a hero that you either are going to love or hate. Fortunately I loved him despite him sometimes being a bossy moody alpha. I liked how there wasn't a lot drama in their relationship.
I definitely recommend this to fans of Lani Lynn Vale or if you are in the mood for a low angst romance.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM:
Safety Group Note:
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
Any couple separation:
Is this book part of series: Yes. However this is the first book I have read in the Dixie Warden series . I had read her other series so I knew of Silas and his story. You could read this book as standalone.
April 10, 2023
Sawyer had her whole life ahead of her until a tragic accident put her in jail for eight years. Now she knows everyone sees her as a killer, tainted, and unworthy of forgiveness. Silas Mackenzie, president of the Dixie Wardens MC, knows all about Sawyer but something always resonated in his mind about the crime and it didn't make sense. The more he sees Sawyer, the more he wants Sawyer. However he is a man who has three adult children, what could a twenty nine year old woman want with him, Sawyer though wants everything.
Another amazing read from Lani Lynn Vale. I liked that Silas got his own story and that you got a moment to understand his family dynamic from his perspective. Series keeps getting better and better.
***Listened to the Audible version, very good.
Another amazing read from Lani Lynn Vale. I liked that Silas got his own story and that you got a moment to understand his family dynamic from his perspective. Series keeps getting better and better.
***Listened to the Audible version, very good.
December 19, 2015
Silas, Silas, Silas...sigh ❤️
I'm so happy that the author finally wrote Silas' story. He's been one of my favorite characters from the beginning. And even more so since I saw Alfie on the cover of his book. Yes, I'm in #CoverLust...again. Not only is Lani Lynn Vale a talented writer, she has excellent cover skills too. I've loved every one of them. They make me want to read the book, without even knowing what it's about.
However; I did read the blurb for Counter to My Intelligence, and I was very intrigued. I was anxious to learn how the hell Sawyer managed to end up incarcerated for a crime she didn't commit. And I was also curious to see how the hell the author was gonna convince me that this couple belonged together. With such a huge gap in their ages, it would take a lot for them to overcome all the obstacles in their path. And did I mention that Sawyer has three brothers? Can you imagine how well that would go over with them? And then there were the many brothers of the Dixie Wardens MC. What would they think about their beloved president lusting over a felon half his age? Exciting, huh? Inquiring minds want to know, right?
As usual, all of those sexy bikers, firemen, and cops are still around for our enjoyment. Some of them have found love, and others are still available and waiting for Lani to match them up with the right woman. I'm especially excited about the next book. I got just a tiny glimpse of the chemistry between the two main characters and it's gonna be HOT!
I'm so happy that the author finally wrote Silas' story. He's been one of my favorite characters from the beginning. And even more so since I saw Alfie on the cover of his book. Yes, I'm in #CoverLust...again. Not only is Lani Lynn Vale a talented writer, she has excellent cover skills too. I've loved every one of them. They make me want to read the book, without even knowing what it's about.
However; I did read the blurb for Counter to My Intelligence, and I was very intrigued. I was anxious to learn how the hell Sawyer managed to end up incarcerated for a crime she didn't commit. And I was also curious to see how the hell the author was gonna convince me that this couple belonged together. With such a huge gap in their ages, it would take a lot for them to overcome all the obstacles in their path. And did I mention that Sawyer has three brothers? Can you imagine how well that would go over with them? And then there were the many brothers of the Dixie Wardens MC. What would they think about their beloved president lusting over a felon half his age? Exciting, huh? Inquiring minds want to know, right?
As usual, all of those sexy bikers, firemen, and cops are still around for our enjoyment. Some of them have found love, and others are still available and waiting for Lani to match them up with the right woman. I'm especially excited about the next book. I got just a tiny glimpse of the chemistry between the two main characters and it's gonna be HOT!
January 5, 2016
I love, love this author's writing! Her characters spoke to my heart.
Sawyer is a young woman who was sent to prison because of an accident. For eight years she paid for her choices and when she comes out, her world as she once knew it has already changed.
Silas is the president of The Dixie Wardens MC. He is older and mature with an already big family, but essentially he is alone. When he meets Sawyer everything changes. What seems like an instant attraction will become much more when these two get closer.
I won't mention how much chemistry our couple had! Wow. Silas managed to captivate this much younger woman and even though he is well over fifty, you never once care about their age difference.
He is an amazing hero and a trully adorable man.
The story had a lot of action and mystery as well. The plot was well thought and developed properly. Every little detail is well rounded and I simply loved how the story unfolded.
Perfect start to the new year! Do not miss this fantastic book.
****5 Stars*****
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sawyer is a young woman who was sent to prison because of an accident. For eight years she paid for her choices and when she comes out, her world as she once knew it has already changed.
Silas is the president of The Dixie Wardens MC. He is older and mature with an already big family, but essentially he is alone. When he meets Sawyer everything changes. What seems like an instant attraction will become much more when these two get closer.
I won't mention how much chemistry our couple had! Wow. Silas managed to captivate this much younger woman and even though he is well over fifty, you never once care about their age difference.
He is an amazing hero and a trully adorable man.
The story had a lot of action and mystery as well. The plot was well thought and developed properly. Every little detail is well rounded and I simply loved how the story unfolded.
Perfect start to the new year! Do not miss this fantastic book.
****5 Stars*****
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2016
Silas.....I think that I'd like to keep him for myself.
LLV really knows how to do the perfect mix of all that I love in a story. She's a definite must read as soon as one of her books is out. This year I'm definitely re-reading all her books because I love them so much!!!
LLV really knows how to do the perfect mix of all that I love in a story. She's a definite must read as soon as one of her books is out. This year I'm definitely re-reading all her books because I love them so much!!!
January 23, 2021
I have mixed feelings about Silas. But I enjoyed the book.
July 31, 2021
Resenha em português e inglês / Review in Portuguese and English.
O personagem Silas aparece desde o início da série, afinal ele é o presidente do Dixie Wardens MC e um ex-agente da CIA com amigos e conexões em todos lugares. Sempre tive grande curiosidade sobre ele, afinal ele é pai de três dos protagonistas de livros anteriores e um macho alfa de primeira qualidade.
Ele sempre foi muito misterioso e badass!
Nossa heroína Sawyer é filha de uma ex namorada dele... Você já viu o problema que vai causar!
Ela é uma jovem que tinha um grande futuro pela frente e acaba se envolvendo em um acidente de trânsito onde 4 pessoas perdem a vida e ela é condenada a 8 anos de prisão. Ela passa de moça inocente e cheia de planos para o futuro para uma presidiária tendo que lutar pela integridade física dela diariamente.
Nossa história tem flashbacks do que aconteceu no passado e daí ela sai da cadeia e tem que enfrentar a hostilidade e o julgamento das pessoas, a falta de amigos e o abandono do namorado cheater, falta de perspectiva e traumas psicológicos.
Ela enfrenta uma situação bem pesada, mas ela começa um relacionamento com nosso macho alfa gostosão e a vida dela começa a melhorar.
Adorei conhecer mais profundamente a personalidade e as motivações de Silas e ver a interação dele com uma mulher com idade para ser filha dele, mas que tem maturidade suficiente para segurar a onda.
A história é recheada de cenas bem quentes entre o herói e a heroína e temos ainda um inimigo do passado de Silas que reaparece para se vingar causando muita ação e violência.
Também temos a participação dos filhos de Silas e dos membros do moto clube. Todas cenas muito especiais e bem escritas.
E o final é realmente muito doce!
Recomendo muito a série toda!
--------------------
The character Silas appears since the beginning of the series, he is the President of Dixie Wardens MC and a former CIA operative with friends and connections everywhere. I've always had great curiosity about him, after all he is the father of three of the main characters from previous books and an alpha male.
He's always been very mysterious and badass!
Our heroine Sawyer is the daughter of a former girlfriend. Have you ever seen the problem that will cause! She is a young girl who had a great future ahead of her and she ends up getting involved in a traffic accident where 4 people lose their lives and she is sentenced to 8 years in prison. She goes from innocent girl and full of plans for the future to an inmate having to fight for her physical integrity daily.
Our history has flashbacks of what happened in the past and then she gets out of jail and have to face the hostility and judgment of the people, the lack of friends and the abandonment of the cheater boyfriend, lack of perspective and psychological trauma.
She faces a heavy situation, but she begins a relationship with our alpha male Hottie and her life begins to improve.
I loved to know more deeply the personality and motivations of Silas and view his interaction with a woman old enough to be his daughter, but mature enough to handle it.
The story is filled with hot scenes between the hero and the heroine and we still have an enemy from the past of Silas who reappears to take revenge on causing a lot of action and violence.
We also have the participation of the sons of Silas and members of the motorcycle club. All very special scene and well written.
And the ending is really sweet!
I highly recommend the whole series!
O personagem Silas aparece desde o início da série, afinal ele é o presidente do Dixie Wardens MC e um ex-agente da CIA com amigos e conexões em todos lugares. Sempre tive grande curiosidade sobre ele, afinal ele é pai de três dos protagonistas de livros anteriores e um macho alfa de primeira qualidade.
Ele sempre foi muito misterioso e badass!
Nossa heroína Sawyer é filha de uma ex namorada dele... Você já viu o problema que vai causar!
Ela é uma jovem que tinha um grande futuro pela frente e acaba se envolvendo em um acidente de trânsito onde 4 pessoas perdem a vida e ela é condenada a 8 anos de prisão. Ela passa de moça inocente e cheia de planos para o futuro para uma presidiária tendo que lutar pela integridade física dela diariamente.
Nossa história tem flashbacks do que aconteceu no passado e daí ela sai da cadeia e tem que enfrentar a hostilidade e o julgamento das pessoas, a falta de amigos e o abandono do namorado cheater, falta de perspectiva e traumas psicológicos.
Ela enfrenta uma situação bem pesada, mas ela começa um relacionamento com nosso macho alfa gostosão e a vida dela começa a melhorar.
Adorei conhecer mais profundamente a personalidade e as motivações de Silas e ver a interação dele com uma mulher com idade para ser filha dele, mas que tem maturidade suficiente para segurar a onda.
A história é recheada de cenas bem quentes entre o herói e a heroína e temos ainda um inimigo do passado de Silas que reaparece para se vingar causando muita ação e violência.
Também temos a participação dos filhos de Silas e dos membros do moto clube. Todas cenas muito especiais e bem escritas.
E o final é realmente muito doce!
Recomendo muito a série toda!
--------------------
The character Silas appears since the beginning of the series, he is the President of Dixie Wardens MC and a former CIA operative with friends and connections everywhere. I've always had great curiosity about him, after all he is the father of three of the main characters from previous books and an alpha male.
He's always been very mysterious and badass!
Our heroine Sawyer is the daughter of a former girlfriend. Have you ever seen the problem that will cause! She is a young girl who had a great future ahead of her and she ends up getting involved in a traffic accident where 4 people lose their lives and she is sentenced to 8 years in prison. She goes from innocent girl and full of plans for the future to an inmate having to fight for her physical integrity daily.
Our history has flashbacks of what happened in the past and then she gets out of jail and have to face the hostility and judgment of the people, the lack of friends and the abandonment of the cheater boyfriend, lack of perspective and psychological trauma.
She faces a heavy situation, but she begins a relationship with our alpha male Hottie and her life begins to improve.
I loved to know more deeply the personality and motivations of Silas and view his interaction with a woman old enough to be his daughter, but mature enough to handle it.
The story is filled with hot scenes between the hero and the heroine and we still have an enemy from the past of Silas who reappears to take revenge on causing a lot of action and violence.
We also have the participation of the sons of Silas and members of the motorcycle club. All very special scene and well written.
And the ending is really sweet!
I highly recommend the whole series!
September 25, 2016
Loved it!
January 9, 2016
It's difficult to rate this book because I've read about H since Boomtown (this author's 1st book), then he appeared in almost every book from then on. Imagined how shocked I was when I knew he was going to get his own book considering he was a grandfather already and I've read his two sons' and only daughter's books.
Fortunately, although the blurbs said h was his ex-girlfriend's daughter, he had never slept with her mother.
Finally, I knew H's whole story after heard from his sons' and daughter's points of view in their own books. I did hate him less now, but still found it was difficult to accept he was 54 while h was only 29.
Fortunately, although the blurbs said h was his ex-girlfriend's daughter, he had never slept with her mother.
Finally, I knew H's whole story after heard from his sons' and daughter's points of view in their own books. I did hate him less now, but still found it was difficult to accept he was 54 while h was only 29.
October 26, 2021
As someone who loves romances with an older man, and a fairly big age gap, this one checked off all the "must-haves" for me. There's a forbidden romance, suspense, drama, secrets that could make everything implode at any moment, and so much more. I think this one is and always will be my favorite of Lani Lynn Vale's books!
January 15, 2016
Counter To My Intelligence surrounds a very familiar face who we originally met in her Freebird series-Silas MacKenzie. President of The Dixie Wardens MC, we learn through out these two intertwining series that Silas is not the man we thought he was and his waters run deep. A former CIA agent, he has burned many bridges that has left him all alone in a sea of people. When he finds out an ex-girlfriend's daughter , Sawyer, is getting out of prison, he never even considered that she may be his redemption.
I was pleased to see Vale revert back to her earlier writing style with this installment. Reminiscent of Kristen Ashley, Vale has her hands full with her alpha men and the strong women they fall in love with. The balance between the May-December romance and low-key suspense plotline blends well with a strong backstory and a full body cast of familiar faces and some new one. Vale essentially keeps Silas in character, softening him a little with the romance, but not changing him from the rough, secretive, alpha he has always been. Rather she creates the perfect mate for him. A smart, sweet, strong heroine whose learned to bend with adversity instead of breaking.
I look forward to the next book which is Sila's brother and Sawyer's best friend.
I was pleased to see Vale revert back to her earlier writing style with this installment. Reminiscent of Kristen Ashley, Vale has her hands full with her alpha men and the strong women they fall in love with. The balance between the May-December romance and low-key suspense plotline blends well with a strong backstory and a full body cast of familiar faces and some new one. Vale essentially keeps Silas in character, softening him a little with the romance, but not changing him from the rough, secretive, alpha he has always been. Rather she creates the perfect mate for him. A smart, sweet, strong heroine whose learned to bend with adversity instead of breaking.
I look forward to the next book which is Sila's brother and Sawyer's best friend.
January 13, 2016
Silas has been a favourite character of mine since the beginning. I'm so glad he finally got his own book. The age differences were a little hard for me, but if anyone could get away with it...it would be Silas! I hope there are still more books on this series!
December 30, 2015
Counter to My Intelligence (The Heros of The Dixie Wardens MC #7)
Lani Lynn Vale
5 bazillion stars
Lets quickly talk about the cover. Once again Lani has nailed it. Alfie G. is the PERFECT Silas in all ways. His personality, his kindness, that he would do anything for those he cares for is exactly the same as the character he is portraying on the cover of Counter to My Intelligence -- Standing ovation for the cover alone.
Sawyer Berry’s life changed forever the night Bristol and Issac talked her into going to that party. Never in her wildest dreams would she imagine eight years of her life would be gone shattering her and tainting her forever. Only 28 years old and time lost behind bars. Thank goodness for Ruthann Comalsky, her cellmate. She would have never gotten out alive much less for the most part untouched. Sawyer owes this woman her life and when she gets out she will make sure she repays her. Ruthie is her best friend. She understands her … but now Sawyer is on her way home without Ruthie by her side. She doesn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Bristol is still there, now married to her brother but Issac, not so much. Rude awakening there … how is she supposed to handle the day to day grind knowing what she did? How is she supposed to survive now?
Silas McKenzie is President of the Dixie Wardens MC, a volunteer firefighter and much more. He was on shift with the volunteer fire department eight long years ago. He remembers the body bags. He knows Sawyer will never be the same. Silas wasn’t always “just a biker. “ He originally was thrown into the MC deep undercover by the CIA. He lost everything because of it. His kids aren’t fond of him to put it nicely, well at least half of them. His lies and his deep betrayal has turned them off of being a part of his life. So yeah, Silas knows heartache and suffering and he also knows Sawyer has done her time. Coming home isn’t going to be easy for her. Sawyer may only be 28 years in age but her soul is much older. Prison and traumatic events do that to a person.
And we are off ….. I cant being to express the beauty in the story between these two exceptional characters. Not only do I love this MC as they are all made up of “community helpers” but they are true family men who protect their own not matter the costs to them. Silas is the man that every girl wishes would stand by her side protecting her from the bad and showering her with undeniable committed love. In a remarkable love story two characters who have endured enough find something that most of us only uncover in our dreams while we are sleeping.
Every page isn’t filled with hearts and flowers though friends. Silas knows something is off with the time Sawyer spent in prison. He also knows she suffered on the inside and he plans to find out at the hands of whom. An evil from Silas’s past also comes back slithering through the shadows. The claws dig in and tear into his soul moving onto those he loves forcing him relive his darkest moment. Im telling you that you will become a “stoplight reader” with this one; meaning you will be picking up your Kindle at every red light! Yup that’s me! And yes its only at red lights, but also waiting in line, any gym equipment that I can run on without killing myself while reading …. You name it .. I didn’t put it down.
You don’t need to read the entire series to read any of these books but I recommend that you do eventually pick them all up. They will make your essence sing ladies or make you sneer at your husband because you want a Lani man.
Thank you Lani for the ARC! Thank you Alfie for the amazing cover you gifted us. Get this one on release day friends -- January 6th. BRILLIANT – Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Next in this series: Right to My Wrong - Sterling
Other books in the series:
Lights to My Siren: Sebastian
Halligan to My Axe: Kettle
Kevlar to My Vest: Trance
Keys to My Cuffs: Loki
Life To My Flight: Cleo
Charge to My Line: Grayson
There is also her KPD SWAT series and Freebirds series. I know this is a ton of books but I can promise you there is not one bad story in any of these. Click them up when you get the chance and meet all of the men given to us by Lani Lynn Vale.
**** This is NOT a full review as it will come closer to release day.***
HOWEVER let me say if you have not planned to click this book up or preordered you need to do it now.
Not only has Lani written another brilliant 5 star story but she also has given us a fantastic cover with Alfie Gordillo portraying the one and only Silas Mackenzie, the president of The Dixie Wardens MC. Silas is everything and much more than we ever imagined ladies. I can, with all the confidence in the world, tell you that Silas will reign as one of my top three favorite characters.
I have rambled enough. Full review to post closer to release day on Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Lani I cannot thank you enough for the ARC. Alfie ... you nailed it.
Lani Lynn Vale
5 bazillion stars
Lets quickly talk about the cover. Once again Lani has nailed it. Alfie G. is the PERFECT Silas in all ways. His personality, his kindness, that he would do anything for those he cares for is exactly the same as the character he is portraying on the cover of Counter to My Intelligence -- Standing ovation for the cover alone.
Sawyer Berry’s life changed forever the night Bristol and Issac talked her into going to that party. Never in her wildest dreams would she imagine eight years of her life would be gone shattering her and tainting her forever. Only 28 years old and time lost behind bars. Thank goodness for Ruthann Comalsky, her cellmate. She would have never gotten out alive much less for the most part untouched. Sawyer owes this woman her life and when she gets out she will make sure she repays her. Ruthie is her best friend. She understands her … but now Sawyer is on her way home without Ruthie by her side. She doesn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Bristol is still there, now married to her brother but Issac, not so much. Rude awakening there … how is she supposed to handle the day to day grind knowing what she did? How is she supposed to survive now?
Silas McKenzie is President of the Dixie Wardens MC, a volunteer firefighter and much more. He was on shift with the volunteer fire department eight long years ago. He remembers the body bags. He knows Sawyer will never be the same. Silas wasn’t always “just a biker. “ He originally was thrown into the MC deep undercover by the CIA. He lost everything because of it. His kids aren’t fond of him to put it nicely, well at least half of them. His lies and his deep betrayal has turned them off of being a part of his life. So yeah, Silas knows heartache and suffering and he also knows Sawyer has done her time. Coming home isn’t going to be easy for her. Sawyer may only be 28 years in age but her soul is much older. Prison and traumatic events do that to a person.
And we are off ….. I cant being to express the beauty in the story between these two exceptional characters. Not only do I love this MC as they are all made up of “community helpers” but they are true family men who protect their own not matter the costs to them. Silas is the man that every girl wishes would stand by her side protecting her from the bad and showering her with undeniable committed love. In a remarkable love story two characters who have endured enough find something that most of us only uncover in our dreams while we are sleeping.
Every page isn’t filled with hearts and flowers though friends. Silas knows something is off with the time Sawyer spent in prison. He also knows she suffered on the inside and he plans to find out at the hands of whom. An evil from Silas’s past also comes back slithering through the shadows. The claws dig in and tear into his soul moving onto those he loves forcing him relive his darkest moment. Im telling you that you will become a “stoplight reader” with this one; meaning you will be picking up your Kindle at every red light! Yup that’s me! And yes its only at red lights, but also waiting in line, any gym equipment that I can run on without killing myself while reading …. You name it .. I didn’t put it down.
You don’t need to read the entire series to read any of these books but I recommend that you do eventually pick them all up. They will make your essence sing ladies or make you sneer at your husband because you want a Lani man.
Thank you Lani for the ARC! Thank you Alfie for the amazing cover you gifted us. Get this one on release day friends -- January 6th. BRILLIANT – Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Next in this series: Right to My Wrong - Sterling
Other books in the series:
Lights to My Siren: Sebastian
Halligan to My Axe: Kettle
Kevlar to My Vest: Trance
Keys to My Cuffs: Loki
Life To My Flight: Cleo
Charge to My Line: Grayson
There is also her KPD SWAT series and Freebirds series. I know this is a ton of books but I can promise you there is not one bad story in any of these. Click them up when you get the chance and meet all of the men given to us by Lani Lynn Vale.
**** This is NOT a full review as it will come closer to release day.***
HOWEVER let me say if you have not planned to click this book up or preordered you need to do it now.
Not only has Lani written another brilliant 5 star story but she also has given us a fantastic cover with Alfie Gordillo portraying the one and only Silas Mackenzie, the president of The Dixie Wardens MC. Silas is everything and much more than we ever imagined ladies. I can, with all the confidence in the world, tell you that Silas will reign as one of my top three favorite characters.
I have rambled enough. Full review to post closer to release day on Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Lani I cannot thank you enough for the ARC. Alfie ... you nailed it.
January 19, 2016
I was hesitant to read this one because the H, Silas had been with the h, Sawyer's mother, Reba. I tend to avoid books where H/h have been with someone the other is close to, whether it be siblings, friends, or now parents (never thought I'd have to say that lol). To me it is a major icky factor, however, I gave this one a shot after seeing a fellow good readers review saying Silas had never really been in a relationship with Sawyer's mom.
I really think there was no need to have had Silas be in a relationship with Reba. It didn't add anything to the story. Sawyer wasn't bothered by it. I really felt it should have been left out.
I pretended it never happened, I feel that was the only way I could read this one. I had to block it out.
Also, it might bother some readers that Silas is 54 and Sawyer is 30, the age did not bother me. In fact I prefer reading about older heros and younger heroines.
Otherwise, it was not a bad read, not the best.. It was decent and I would read more from this author, if her book price wasn't so high, although it is no Abbi Glines price so really I shouldn't be complaining but look here I am complaining lol.
I really think there was no need to have had Silas be in a relationship with Reba. It didn't add anything to the story. Sawyer wasn't bothered by it. I really felt it should have been left out.
I pretended it never happened, I feel that was the only way I could read this one. I had to block it out.
Also, it might bother some readers that Silas is 54 and Sawyer is 30, the age did not bother me. In fact I prefer reading about older heros and younger heroines.
Otherwise, it was not a bad read, not the best.. It was decent and I would read more from this author, if her book price wasn't so high, although it is no Abbi Glines price so really I shouldn't be complaining but look here I am complaining lol.
February 15, 2016
This was actually my first read in this series. I read it because it was on a list of books with an older man younger woman. This one really was. He was about 25 years older than her if I remember correctly. It was part of the story but after a while it was sort of dropped. So I didn't get my total OM/YW fix but it was there. There was also the element of her being an ex-con. That was an interesting and well written element. I liked how the author showed that it had and continued to impact her life. The motorcycle club element was nice in that this guy who was the president had cleaned up the club and they were mostly legit now and not an outlaw club. He had a bunch of trouble in his past too and the two of them were good for each other.
August 29, 2018
Not quite what I expected but pretty darn special.
January 6, 2016
It’s no secret or surprise to Red Cheeks Reads followers that I’m the resident Lani Lynn Vale fan of the group. A Lani Lynn Vale book is a guaranteed, never-let-me-down, sure thing for me. I became a die-hard fan of Ms. Vale’s about half way through her first book, Boomtown, and I haven’t looked back. This author just ticks off all my boxes, and her books never, ever disappoint me. Within the pages of that first book, we met Silas McKenzie for the first time.
“My job wasn’t done… but my time as a good attentive father was.
And I’d pay for that decision every day for the rest of my life.”
To most, Silas Mackenzie is somewhat of an enigma. A semi-retired CIA asset and the president of the Dixie Wardens MC, Silas has this quiet aura of danger wrapped around his persona like a cloak. Always a loner, he doesn’t let anyone all the way in, and while he’s let his MC brothers get close, even they haven’t fully penetrated his walls. There are reasons for this, good reasons, scary reasons. Silas’ past never stops him from looking over his shoulder, it’s as if he’s just waiting for it to catch up to him. So instead of endangering anyone else he cares about, he just doesn’t let anyone get too close. You never know who is watching…
“…we find the defendant guilty of four counts of manslaughter.”
Twenty-year-old college student, Sawyer Berry, is perfectly happy reading her books on Friday night. She is not a party-girl, and this self-professed lightweight never lets herself have more than one drink. Yet, the night her life changed forever, she allowed herself to be bullied into attending a party she did not want to go to by her best friend, Bristol, and her boyfriend, Isaac. Having had enough of the party, she rounded them up and drove them all home in Isaac’s truck. A slick and foggy night and dealing with two very intoxicated friends who were grating on her last nerve coupled with her driving Isaac’s oversized Texas-good-ol-boy pick up truck, something she was never comfortable driving, all added up to disaster when the driver of a smaller truck pulled right out in front of them and Sawyer slammed into them, killing the four passengers inside and killing all of Sawyer’s hopes and dreams in the process.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
Silas and Sawyer meet up one night at a bar more than an hour from home. Both are there looking for the same thing. A hook up. They wind up leaving together. Crackling chemistry explodes when they make it back to Silas’ and what starts out as a one-night-stand morphs into a friends with benefits type of arrangement. Pillow talk naturally goes to what happened that night, and Silas does not like what he hears.
“Got nothing left to lose… Careful’s not in my repertoire.”
Silas is also dealing with the very unsettling news about a former target’s untimely release from prison. This target was Silas’ main focus during his early days as an undercover operative with the Dixie Wardens. Unfortunately, this man when exacting his revenge on Silas by targeting his family, is also the reason why Silas made that awful, difficult decision all those years ago to withdraw from his family. This man is dangerous, evil and hell bent on revenge.
“What the ^%*& happened here?”
Silas begins looking into Sawyer’s case, and he does not like what he finds and spurs him to dig deeper. Sawyer is starting to settle back into her life. During an unfortunate time, Silas’ past threatens his future. The dilemma is real. Silas is tired of being lonely and he loves Sawyer. He’s got a decision to make, turn his back on her, their love and a chance at happiness, like he did to his family 30 years ago, or take a chance and try to protect her from the evil that threatens. It’s a hell of a choice to have to make.
I’ve been waiting for Silas’ story for so long, as have the vast majority of Vale fans. And I must say, she did not disappoint. We’ve gotten scant few details on Silas over the years, Vale hoarded them like a fat kid with his Oreos, only doling out an occasional tidbit here and there. This book finally – finally – answers all of our questions. And there is so much more to the story than we could have even imagined. Heartbreaking at times, achingly lonely in parts, if you weren’t a Silas Mackenzie fan before, you will be now.
As usual, Vale’s writing is on point. She just has a way of building her stories and layering in all the details that make it so easy for the reader to visualize what’s happening. All of that trademark Vale humor that her fans have come to love and expect in one of her novels is here, despite the heavy subject matter. It’s sexy, it’s smart, and it’s Lani Lynn Vale’s best work to date. I loved Silas and Sawyer, I loved their story, and I loved this book. It’s back to a familiar place for me: waiting for her next release!
Counter To My Intelligence and the talented Lani Lynn Vale get 5 smooches from me!
~ Danielle Palumbo
“My job wasn’t done… but my time as a good attentive father was.
And I’d pay for that decision every day for the rest of my life.”
To most, Silas Mackenzie is somewhat of an enigma. A semi-retired CIA asset and the president of the Dixie Wardens MC, Silas has this quiet aura of danger wrapped around his persona like a cloak. Always a loner, he doesn’t let anyone all the way in, and while he’s let his MC brothers get close, even they haven’t fully penetrated his walls. There are reasons for this, good reasons, scary reasons. Silas’ past never stops him from looking over his shoulder, it’s as if he’s just waiting for it to catch up to him. So instead of endangering anyone else he cares about, he just doesn’t let anyone get too close. You never know who is watching…
“…we find the defendant guilty of four counts of manslaughter.”
Twenty-year-old college student, Sawyer Berry, is perfectly happy reading her books on Friday night. She is not a party-girl, and this self-professed lightweight never lets herself have more than one drink. Yet, the night her life changed forever, she allowed herself to be bullied into attending a party she did not want to go to by her best friend, Bristol, and her boyfriend, Isaac. Having had enough of the party, she rounded them up and drove them all home in Isaac’s truck. A slick and foggy night and dealing with two very intoxicated friends who were grating on her last nerve coupled with her driving Isaac’s oversized Texas-good-ol-boy pick up truck, something she was never comfortable driving, all added up to disaster when the driver of a smaller truck pulled right out in front of them and Sawyer slammed into them, killing the four passengers inside and killing all of Sawyer’s hopes and dreams in the process.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
Silas and Sawyer meet up one night at a bar more than an hour from home. Both are there looking for the same thing. A hook up. They wind up leaving together. Crackling chemistry explodes when they make it back to Silas’ and what starts out as a one-night-stand morphs into a friends with benefits type of arrangement. Pillow talk naturally goes to what happened that night, and Silas does not like what he hears.
“Got nothing left to lose… Careful’s not in my repertoire.”
Silas is also dealing with the very unsettling news about a former target’s untimely release from prison. This target was Silas’ main focus during his early days as an undercover operative with the Dixie Wardens. Unfortunately, this man when exacting his revenge on Silas by targeting his family, is also the reason why Silas made that awful, difficult decision all those years ago to withdraw from his family. This man is dangerous, evil and hell bent on revenge.
“What the ^%*& happened here?”
Silas begins looking into Sawyer’s case, and he does not like what he finds and spurs him to dig deeper. Sawyer is starting to settle back into her life. During an unfortunate time, Silas’ past threatens his future. The dilemma is real. Silas is tired of being lonely and he loves Sawyer. He’s got a decision to make, turn his back on her, their love and a chance at happiness, like he did to his family 30 years ago, or take a chance and try to protect her from the evil that threatens. It’s a hell of a choice to have to make.
I’ve been waiting for Silas’ story for so long, as have the vast majority of Vale fans. And I must say, she did not disappoint. We’ve gotten scant few details on Silas over the years, Vale hoarded them like a fat kid with his Oreos, only doling out an occasional tidbit here and there. This book finally – finally – answers all of our questions. And there is so much more to the story than we could have even imagined. Heartbreaking at times, achingly lonely in parts, if you weren’t a Silas Mackenzie fan before, you will be now.
As usual, Vale’s writing is on point. She just has a way of building her stories and layering in all the details that make it so easy for the reader to visualize what’s happening. All of that trademark Vale humor that her fans have come to love and expect in one of her novels is here, despite the heavy subject matter. It’s sexy, it’s smart, and it’s Lani Lynn Vale’s best work to date. I loved Silas and Sawyer, I loved their story, and I loved this book. It’s back to a familiar place for me: waiting for her next release!
Counter To My Intelligence and the talented Lani Lynn Vale get 5 smooches from me!
~ Danielle Palumbo
January 8, 2016
This is one of my favorite series and has been since the start. I fell in love with the addition of each new hero and heroine as the series continued. Silas *sigh* I've been waiting for his story probably the most out of all the Dixie Wardens MC. There is just something about him that caught my attention from the start.
Aside from that HOT HOT HOT cover, a favorite theme of mine is older male/younger female so this story couldn't come fast enough for me.
One of the things that I loved the most between Silas and Sawyer is that their age difference was never really a factor for them or anyone else. With that much of an age gap it's usually obsessed over by the H/h and the people around them. I was so happy that Lani did make this an obstacle between them. I also loved how easy they got together. They didn't fight the attraction they had for one another. There wasn't any real drama/angst between them. With all the struggles and hardships that they each individually endured it was great to read them not struggling in forming a relationship. They were perfect for each other.
I was surprised how much Sawyer grabbed my attention from the opening pages. What she endured was heartbreaking. I loved that Silas was always there for her and wanted to help and support her. He was exactly what she needed.
The sex between these two fogged up my Kindle!! ;) My favorite has to be the garage scene. Oh...the shower scene right before that also. ;) lol
Loved the epilogue!! So good!! Lani Lynn Vale is a master with her epilogues. Only a few write them as well as she does.
I cannot wait for Ruthie and Sterling next!! I was so excited to read that Ruthie was getting her own story. I'm so looking forward to their HEA. I'm also hoping to get more of Silas and Sawyer in their book along with the rest of the Dixie Warden MC.
Such a great story and another awesome addition to an already awesome series. Definitely makes me want to go back and reread the series from the beginning.
Silas *sigh* He definitely didn't disappoint.
***ARC provided for review. Thank you!!
Belle's Book Bag Top Pick
Aside from that HOT HOT HOT cover, a favorite theme of mine is older male/younger female so this story couldn't come fast enough for me.
One of the things that I loved the most between Silas and Sawyer is that their age difference was never really a factor for them or anyone else. With that much of an age gap it's usually obsessed over by the H/h and the people around them. I was so happy that Lani did make this an obstacle between them. I also loved how easy they got together. They didn't fight the attraction they had for one another. There wasn't any real drama/angst between them. With all the struggles and hardships that they each individually endured it was great to read them not struggling in forming a relationship. They were perfect for each other.
I was surprised how much Sawyer grabbed my attention from the opening pages. What she endured was heartbreaking. I loved that Silas was always there for her and wanted to help and support her. He was exactly what she needed.
The sex between these two fogged up my Kindle!! ;) My favorite has to be the garage scene. Oh...the shower scene right before that also. ;) lol
Loved the epilogue!! So good!! Lani Lynn Vale is a master with her epilogues. Only a few write them as well as she does.
I cannot wait for Ruthie and Sterling next!! I was so excited to read that Ruthie was getting her own story. I'm so looking forward to their HEA. I'm also hoping to get more of Silas and Sawyer in their book along with the rest of the Dixie Warden MC.
Such a great story and another awesome addition to an already awesome series. Definitely makes me want to go back and reread the series from the beginning.
Silas *sigh* He definitely didn't disappoint.
***ARC provided for review. Thank you!!
Belle's Book Bag Top Pick
May 25, 2021
4.5 stars
So I loved that we finally get Silas's story I wasn't sure how I would react to the age difference for me it was a bit too much even after reading the story but I put that to the side because it was still a great story. I took away half a star because it felt like everything moved a bit quickly and that was probably because there were a couple of storylines that were (or could have been) both main storylines. The biggest issue with this for me in was Sawyer's storyline regarding her conviction and the fact that it was I think if the book had been longer and therefore the storylines get to be fully explored I would have enjoyed the book even more. I also would have liked to see more people become aware of Sawyers and I would have liked to see Dallas apologising for being a complete ass. It also felt like Bristol completely disappeared from the book after Ruthie go out but the may have had to do the the Dallas being an ass thing to. I loved how Sebastian and Baylee accepted Ruthie but I really disliked Sam and Shiloh for their treatment of Sawyer and I didn't feel like they really accepted her which annoyed me because I really thought that most of the problems between Silas and his kids had been resolved especially since he is really involved in his grandkids lives.
So I loved this book overall and while I came across a few issues to me it wasn't a huge deal to others it may be more so but that is all a matter of opinion, if you haven't read this series before I would suggest you start at the beginning because I think you would get more out of the book. Now bring on Sterling and Ruthie!!
So I loved that we finally get Silas's story I wasn't sure how I would react to the age difference for me it was a bit too much even after reading the story but I put that to the side because it was still a great story. I took away half a star because it felt like everything moved a bit quickly and that was probably because there were a couple of storylines that were (or could have been) both main storylines. The biggest issue with this for me in was Sawyer's storyline regarding her conviction and the fact that it was I think if the book had been longer and therefore the storylines get to be fully explored I would have enjoyed the book even more. I also would have liked to see more people become aware of Sawyers and I would have liked to see Dallas apologising for being a complete ass. It also felt like Bristol completely disappeared from the book after Ruthie go out but the may have had to do the the Dallas being an ass thing to. I loved how Sebastian and Baylee accepted Ruthie but I really disliked Sam and Shiloh for their treatment of Sawyer and I didn't feel like they really accepted her which annoyed me because I really thought that most of the problems between Silas and his kids had been resolved especially since he is really involved in his grandkids lives.
So I loved this book overall and while I came across a few issues to me it wasn't a huge deal to others it may be more so but that is all a matter of opinion, if you haven't read this series before I would suggest you start at the beginning because I think you would get more out of the book. Now bring on Sterling and Ruthie!!
May 6, 2016
Silas and Sawyer. The story starts with a prologue that tells the tale of how Sawyer ends up in prison. Hard to read and her regret is palpable. The story gradually moves from an overall feeling of sadness to one of triumph and love. Silas is 54 and Sawyer is almost 30. But prison has turned her into an old soul and Silas is prime for true love after decades of putting his needs last after those of his family, his country and his MC brothers. There's an old nemesis of Silas' that will soon show his ugly head. I feel like there was some loose ends there as to how he gets out of prison. Perhaps the author will address this in a later book? Silas was delicious. Honorable, bad ass, alpha hero at his best. He did hang with her mom for a while before he meets Sawyer. There's also a point near the end where I was cringing that it would get ugly and violent but it mostly happens off-screen. The author pulls back before I was tempted to DNF. Really enjoyed this one and found it hard to put down. Bit dark for my taste usually, but the author is careful to not push it too far. In a sea of hopeless animosity, Silas becomes her knight in shining armor! And HOT!!!
January 6, 2016
5 SMOOCHES!
I read and reviewed this book on behalf of RED CHEEKS READS.
Review: http://redcheeksreads.com/counter-to-...
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I read and reviewed this book on behalf of RED CHEEKS READS.
Review: http://redcheeksreads.com/counter-to-...
Red Cheeks Reads blog: www.redcheeksreads.com
Follow Red Cheeks Reads on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redcheeksreads
Twitter: https://twitter.com/redcheeksreads
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
January 14, 2016
I need to seriously re-evaluate the criterion for a 5-star book because, clearly, I haven't got a clue.
Counter to My Intelligence for me is a strong 1-star. This book is a mixed bag of topics and has a little something for everyone: MC Club, CIA, bit of legal drama, love triangle (between mother and daughter). Hope the rest of the books in the series were better than this one. I know I won't be checking them out.
Counter to My Intelligence for me is a strong 1-star. This book is a mixed bag of topics and has a little something for everyone: MC Club, CIA, bit of legal drama, love triangle (between mother and daughter). Hope the rest of the books in the series were better than this one. I know I won't be checking them out.
November 24, 2018
DNF @40% - Not sure what's making this such a terrible story, but I can't take it anymore... And, that cover....OMG, what was this author thinking? Chapter 3 she had Silas with salt and pepper hair, then chapter 7 she changed him to bald??? Silas was supposed to be sexy handsome, oh come on, really? ...LOL...
Want to read
October 13, 2015YES! I've been waiting for this book.
January 7, 2016
I waited for this one for a while. Omg I was not disappointed and met my expectation. I love Lani's books the heroes are hot and heroines are strong. I highly recommended this book and series!!
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