Scan barcode
megwoman25's review
4.0
MM Romance
Sex and Dumbassery
3.75 Stars ⭐️
Well this was a surprise and in the best of ways. Until now the only series I’ve liked by these authors was Jack Addison and that’s a 9 episode serial that is nothing like their usual style. For me to love this book makes me laugh because Scum was my first book by these authors and I hated it and swore off this series but I was always intrigued by Dex. He’s just one of those side characters I had to know more about and he didn’t disappoint me. He was so fucking dumb and yet I absolutely adored him. I just wanted to swaddle him in bubble wrap so that he would be safe from himself and others. Dex and Hammer just made sense together and I liked how they both understood and accepted each other’s crazy. This was so OTT and I just ate it up but I did have some issues with it too.
Hammer is being a kept in a makeshift prison cell on Frank’s property while his MC works out what to do with him due to a misunderstanding of sorts and Dex is there to guard him for a bit. Dex is a dumb horny himbo who has been in love with Hammer ever since he saw him take a sledgehammer to someone’s head earlier in the year and Hammer is able to trick him into letting him out. It was so dumb and just made me laugh at the absolute stupidity that is Dex. Hammer takes Dex hostage while he tries to find the evidence to prove his innocence. However, Dex is not a typical hostage because he’s captivated by Hammer and he’s just excited to be spending time with him.
”This guy was so fucking dumb. And yet… Hammer liked dumb. Dumb was kind of cute. You knew where you stood with dumb. Dumb and horny? Now that was a powder keg Hammer could see himself lighting.”
These two go on this adventure that gave me major ‘Tiger King’ vibes especially with the big cats and crazy people everywhere. I didn’t watch all of TK because watching all the tigers being mistreated absolutely disgusted me but the people associated with all of that could have fit seamlessly into this book. While they are on the run they stay with one of Hammer’s old friends, Cora. Even though I’m sure Cora was probably hot, all I could picture was Carole Baskin in her wild cat prints and the imagery just cracked me up. Like Carole, Cora had a lot of big cats on her property that just added to the OTTness of this book. Cora also has a BDSM lifestyle and had wild sex parties that Dex and Hammer attended. While my preference is for my couples to be monogamous, I had no problem with the sharing that happens in this book during the parties. This is just one of those books that is so OTT that I couldn’t fault Dex for wanting to be used as a cum dumpster. He lives for sex so it just made sense he’d be into this kind of stuff and since the sharing was only done at the parties and there were clear rules in place, I was ok with it.
The thing dragging my rating down is the length. This book was 450 pages but it felt like it had 1000. I was on board with it for the first 70% but then there was a lot of added stuff that I just felt was unnecessary. The stuff with Hammer’s family should have been omitted from this story although his real name did make me laugh as did Dex’s complete lack of filter during dinner. I didn’t like that the hit was completely drawn out and there was a late stage conflict attached to it. I just felt like this whole last minute drama was not needed and I hated the pain it caused Dex. It just caused the book to drag and it’s why it took me days to finish it. I wish I could give half star ratings because this is definitely a 3.5 star book but since I loved the majority of this book I am going to give it 4 stars. I just really enjoyed both characters and this book made me laugh a lot despite its sometimes heavy subject matter.
Sex and Dumbassery
3.75 Stars ⭐️
Well this was a surprise and in the best of ways. Until now the only series I’ve liked by these authors was Jack Addison and that’s a 9 episode serial that is nothing like their usual style. For me to love this book makes me laugh because Scum was my first book by these authors and I hated it and swore off this series but I was always intrigued by Dex. He’s just one of those side characters I had to know more about and he didn’t disappoint me. He was so fucking dumb and yet I absolutely adored him. I just wanted to swaddle him in bubble wrap so that he would be safe from himself and others. Dex and Hammer just made sense together and I liked how they both understood and accepted each other’s crazy. This was so OTT and I just ate it up but I did have some issues with it too.
Hammer is being a kept in a makeshift prison cell on Frank’s property while his MC works out what to do with him due to a misunderstanding of sorts and Dex is there to guard him for a bit. Dex is a dumb horny himbo who has been in love with Hammer ever since he saw him take a sledgehammer to someone’s head earlier in the year and Hammer is able to trick him into letting him out. It was so dumb and just made me laugh at the absolute stupidity that is Dex. Hammer takes Dex hostage while he tries to find the evidence to prove his innocence. However, Dex is not a typical hostage because he’s captivated by Hammer and he’s just excited to be spending time with him.
”This guy was so fucking dumb. And yet… Hammer liked dumb. Dumb was kind of cute. You knew where you stood with dumb. Dumb and horny? Now that was a powder keg Hammer could see himself lighting.”
These two go on this adventure that gave me major ‘Tiger King’ vibes especially with the big cats and crazy people everywhere. I didn’t watch all of TK because watching all the tigers being mistreated absolutely disgusted me but the people associated with all of that could have fit seamlessly into this book. While they are on the run they stay with one of Hammer’s old friends, Cora. Even though I’m sure Cora was probably hot, all I could picture was Carole Baskin in her wild cat prints and the imagery just cracked me up. Like Carole, Cora had a lot of big cats on her property that just added to the OTTness of this book. Cora also has a BDSM lifestyle and had wild sex parties that Dex and Hammer attended. While my preference is for my couples to be monogamous, I had no problem with the sharing that happens in this book during the parties. This is just one of those books that is so OTT that I couldn’t fault Dex for wanting to be used as a cum dumpster. He lives for sex so it just made sense he’d be into this kind of stuff and since the sharing was only done at the parties and there were clear rules in place, I was ok with it.
The thing dragging my rating down is the length. This book was 450 pages but it felt like it had 1000. I was on board with it for the first 70% but then there was a lot of added stuff that I just felt was unnecessary. The stuff with Hammer’s family should have been omitted from this story although his real name did make me laugh as did Dex’s complete lack of filter during dinner. I didn’t like that the hit was completely drawn out and there was a late stage conflict attached to it. I just felt like this whole last minute drama was not needed and I hated the pain it caused Dex. It just caused the book to drag and it’s why it took me days to finish it. I wish I could give half star ratings because this is definitely a 3.5 star book but since I loved the majority of this book I am going to give it 4 stars. I just really enjoyed both characters and this book made me laugh a lot despite its sometimes heavy subject matter.
jg1987's review
5.0
5 stars
Loved it! This series keeps getting better with each instalment. Dex is such a fun character. So chaotic and unpredictable but also adorable. He is perfectly balanced by the more serious and broody executioner Hammer. I loved how well they fit together even when they seem like such total opposites. I also really liked the little snippets we get of Hammer’s semi-autobiographical story. These two really make the perfect murder boyfriends. I loved every minute of this book and I cannot wait for more. Keep it up ladies!
Loved it! This series keeps getting better with each instalment. Dex is such a fun character. So chaotic and unpredictable but also adorable. He is perfectly balanced by the more serious and broody executioner Hammer. I loved how well they fit together even when they seem like such total opposites. I also really liked the little snippets we get of Hammer’s semi-autobiographical story. These two really make the perfect murder boyfriends. I loved every minute of this book and I cannot wait for more. Keep it up ladies!
emilylovesbooks94's review
5.0
I'll admit that Dex wasn't my favorite character from the earlier books in this series, but he really won me over in this one. Yes, he was still the loud, dramatic, scattered guy who thought with his dick more than his brain, but there was something unexpectedly cute about how starstruck and devoted he was to Hammer. Their first several days together were a mess of captivity, collecting evidence, and Dex lusting after Hammer, but even with all the chaos going on, I was invested in their physical connection. Hammer had never considered hooking up with a guy before, and I enjoyed seeing his opinions slowly change until he couldn't resist Dex's unique charm anymore. Their romance was as violent and gory as it was insatiable, and over time I really grew to love the idea of them together as a couple. Dex was just so dang earnest in his desire to impress Hammer and make him proud, and every time he screwed up he got so sad that it made me want to comfort him. Hammer was much more steady and reserved in his emotional expressions, but I could tell he wanted what was best for Dex and loved him in his own way. The two of them got into all kinds of mayhem, and I was thoroughly entertained by how unexpected and chaotic every day was with the two of them together. Though Hammer and Dex had to seriously question if they wanted to be together long-term, in my heart I always knew they would pick each other because they seemed to click on an entirely different level.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
kickassleigh's review against another edition
3.0
Started Promising
Lots of filler.Started off promising but lost the plot. Also Dex, while very funny at times, is also very dumb. Infuriatingly dumb.
Lots of filler.Started off promising but lost the plot. Also Dex, while very funny at times, is also very dumb. Infuriatingly dumb.
beck22's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kindlemmromancereader's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first book by K.A. Merikan and I was here for it!! I will give a bit of warning to pay attention to the authors warning at the beginning of the book. This book has some dark elements. There is violence, murder, gore, abduction, and offensive language. There is also (sexual) sharing between the MCs, so if that isn’t your jam, you might not be a fan of a couple of scenes. Each sexual act between the MCs is consensual though. (This book also has some dark humor. And regular humor. Ex: Dex driving himself up a wall after being celibate for a week).
That said, I found myself captivated by this book. Hammer, the enforcer for the Demon Brethren MC, is a genius with a sledgehammer. He’s also pretty crafty with conjuring up horror stories. He discovers something sinister about Ryker, a fellow club member. He makes the mistake of waiting to see if Ryker’s transgressions are a one-off and ends up accused of doing something he didn’t do.
Enter Dex, the 22 year old put in charge of watching over Hammer. Dex is definitely driven by his passion and impulses. Dex loves d!*%. Sometimes to the point where it gets him into sticky situations. Not the good kind. I’m talking trouble here. Dex falls for Hammer’s fake flirting (Hammer considers himself straight at this point) and ends up becoming a hostage himself.
Along the way, Hammer starts to feel attraction and sexual desire towards Dex. Maybe it’s Dex’s shameless flirting. Maybe it’s Hammer coming to terms with something that’s been there all along. Either way, he embarks on the journey of figuring out his sexuality. While Hammer works through his bisexuality, Dex is dealing with trying to be seen as something other than a f*^% up.
As their connection and relationship grows, both men understand one another in ways no one else ever has before. They give each other the freedom to be themselves completely. There is definitely a dominant, possessive, jealous MC vibe from Hammer, but he also treats Dex with dignity and respect. He does say some filthy things when they have sex, but he checks in with Dex to ensure it’s okay. Dex is taken with Hammer from the get go. He does his best to please him and make him proud. Dex has a disorder that explains some of his actions and less than stellar decisions, but he’s really just an easygoing and loyal guy trying to fit in.
I’m looking forward to “Grind,” book four in the Wrong Side of the Tracks series. Now I need to go back and read books 1 & 2. Note, each book in the series can be read as a standalone.
That said, I found myself captivated by this book. Hammer, the enforcer for the Demon Brethren MC, is a genius with a sledgehammer. He’s also pretty crafty with conjuring up horror stories. He discovers something sinister about Ryker, a fellow club member. He makes the mistake of waiting to see if Ryker’s transgressions are a one-off and ends up accused of doing something he didn’t do.
Enter Dex, the 22 year old put in charge of watching over Hammer. Dex is definitely driven by his passion and impulses. Dex loves d!*%. Sometimes to the point where it gets him into sticky situations. Not the good kind. I’m talking trouble here. Dex falls for Hammer’s fake flirting (Hammer considers himself straight at this point) and ends up becoming a hostage himself.
Along the way, Hammer starts to feel attraction and sexual desire towards Dex. Maybe it’s Dex’s shameless flirting. Maybe it’s Hammer coming to terms with something that’s been there all along. Either way, he embarks on the journey of figuring out his sexuality. While Hammer works through his bisexuality, Dex is dealing with trying to be seen as something other than a f*^% up.
As their connection and relationship grows, both men understand one another in ways no one else ever has before. They give each other the freedom to be themselves completely. There is definitely a dominant, possessive, jealous MC vibe from Hammer, but he also treats Dex with dignity and respect. He does say some filthy things when they have sex, but he checks in with Dex to ensure it’s okay. Dex is taken with Hammer from the get go. He does his best to please him and make him proud. Dex has a disorder that explains some of his actions and less than stellar decisions, but he’s really just an easygoing and loyal guy trying to fit in.
I’m looking forward to “Grind,” book four in the Wrong Side of the Tracks series. Now I need to go back and read books 1 & 2. Note, each book in the series can be read as a standalone.
imme_van_gorp's review against another edition
DNF @22%
Ew, I really don’t like this. I’m not sure where to begin, but it’s just so bad? And it’s so problematic.
First of all, the romance is absolutely awful. Hammer treats Dex like utter trash, and he’s not at all apologetic about it. Meanwhile, Dex has absolute rock for brains and no self-respect whatsoever. I’m just embarrassed for him, honestly. I can’t imagine I would ever grow to like this couple. I already hate both of the characters and they have ZERO chemistry. And the insta-love/insta-obsession coming from Dex’s side is also not working for me at all.
And then let’s talk about one of the things that is problematic about this book: At the beginning of this book Hammer walks in on this one guy watching CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, and although he’s outraged by it, he decided to do nothing. He decides to let it slide merely because doing something would inconvenience him and he figured he should give the guy another chance. Like, fucking excuse me?? It’s CHILD PORNOGRAPHY! How can you just let that slide? How am I supposed to root for a main character who does that?
Another terribly problematic and sickening aspect about this book was the way these men had an utter disregard for consent. One of MANY examples would be when Dex and Hammer literally berate a woman for setting limits and saying she doesn’t want to be chocked in bed without being asked first, or being forced into anal without being asked first. Like, that’s NORMAL. Nobody should be okay with that without talking about it first. But they both treat her like she should be ashamed to not be glad for getting to SERVICE this dude’s dick?? Like, fucking excuse me? I wish I was joking. But I’m not.
I’ll put a quote here of what Dex said to this girl after she set her limits against Hammer. Mind you, this was after Hammer violated her by doing things she didn’t consent to, and it was after us readers having to listen to Hammer’s inner-monologue about how her saying “no, stay away” actually meant “oh yes, please come to my home and fuck me”. Delusional? Yes. Creepy? Most definitely. But anyway, this is what Dex said to her after she complained about the terror that is Hammer:
Like, I’m sorry Dex but not everyone is such a pathetic idiot as you and some people have self-respect. Get off your high horse, and quite frankly, just shut the hell up.
Urgh, these men just irked me! They were awful, and I’m not sure if I’m even explaining it well, but if I would have to explain my definition of the “ick” by pointing at a person, I’d point at these two. Just yuck.
I eventually reached a point in the story where they got to a BDSM club and Hammer, of course, just keeps on treating Dex like the dirt beneath his shoe, and Dex is kind of involuntarily forced into a submissive role, and I don’t even know anymore, but I don’t care either. It was bad. I didn’t like it. Just ew. I quit!
'Wrong Side of the Tracks' series:
1. Scum - 3.0 stars
2. Primal - 4.5 stars
3. D!ckhead - dnf
4. Grind - 3.5 stars
5. Wanted - 3.0 stars
Ew, I really don’t like this. I’m not sure where to begin, but it’s just so bad? And it’s so problematic.
First of all, the romance is absolutely awful. Hammer treats Dex like utter trash, and he’s not at all apologetic about it. Meanwhile, Dex has absolute rock for brains and no self-respect whatsoever. I’m just embarrassed for him, honestly. I can’t imagine I would ever grow to like this couple. I already hate both of the characters and they have ZERO chemistry. And the insta-love/insta-obsession coming from Dex’s side is also not working for me at all.
And then let’s talk about one of the things that is problematic about this book: At the beginning of this book Hammer walks in on this one guy watching CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, and although he’s outraged by it, he decided to do nothing. He decides to let it slide merely because doing something would inconvenience him and he figured he should give the guy another chance. Like, fucking excuse me?? It’s CHILD PORNOGRAPHY! How can you just let that slide? How am I supposed to root for a main character who does that?
Another terribly problematic and sickening aspect about this book was the way these men had an utter disregard for consent. One of MANY examples would be when Dex and Hammer literally berate a woman for setting limits and saying she doesn’t want to be chocked in bed without being asked first, or being forced into anal without being asked first. Like, that’s NORMAL. Nobody should be okay with that without talking about it first. But they both treat her like she should be ashamed to not be glad for getting to SERVICE this dude’s dick?? Like, fucking excuse me? I wish I was joking. But I’m not.
I’ll put a quote here of what Dex said to this girl after she set her limits against Hammer. Mind you, this was after Hammer violated her by doing things she didn’t consent to, and it was after us readers having to listen to Hammer’s inner-monologue about how her saying “no, stay away” actually meant “oh yes, please come to my home and fuck me”. Delusional? Yes. Creepy? Most definitely. But anyway, this is what Dex said to her after she complained about the terror that is Hammer:
“If a guy this hot wants ass, why the fuck wouldn’t you give it to him? What’s wrong with you? I almost died today trying to get into his pants, and you’re whining over a bit of choking? I would have let him rail me however he wanted, said thank you, and swallowed. Why are you so fucking entitled?”
Like, I’m sorry Dex but not everyone is such a pathetic idiot as you and some people have self-respect. Get off your high horse, and quite frankly, just shut the hell up.
Urgh, these men just irked me! They were awful, and I’m not sure if I’m even explaining it well, but if I would have to explain my definition of the “ick” by pointing at a person, I’d point at these two. Just yuck.
I eventually reached a point in the story where they got to a BDSM club and Hammer, of course, just keeps on treating Dex like the dirt beneath his shoe, and Dex is kind of involuntarily forced into a submissive role, and I don’t even know anymore, but I don’t care either. It was bad. I didn’t like it. Just ew. I quit!
'Wrong Side of the Tracks' series:
1. Scum - 3.0 stars
2. Primal - 4.5 stars
3. D!ckhead - dnf
4. Grind - 3.5 stars
5. Wanted - 3.0 stars
kjnrose's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't read any of the other books in this series but I will be going back and doing that after reading this one, it is so good. I loved the characters, the story, the bloody dark theme of the book and the romance. I loved this book and can't wait to read more from this author.