The Way She Reads: The Wyverns Series by L.M. Somerton

What can you expect from The Wyverns series?

Well, plenty of action and an equivalent amount of kink! The Wyverns isn’t a typical motorcycle club and its members aren’t typical bikers. They do have plenty of attitude and a knack for getting into trouble. Their leader, Rogue Hellaby, is as fierce as the dragon adorning his back and has little patience for the brat he is ordered to kidnap. Orlando de la Pena proves to be almost as much of a challenge as the gunrunners and drug cartels that The Wyverns regularly butt heads with and that’s how the series begins – with kidnap and kink!

The book titles are all linked by the word ‘trap’ because the members of The Wyverns are all trapped by the past, which ties them to a life they reluctantly enjoy. Linking them all together is a mysterious character called Mr. Trap, who manipulates their vulnerabilities shamelessly. This mystery threads through the series and is resolved in the new book, Steel Trap.

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Steel Trap (The Wyverns #5)

Author L.M. Somerton

Publisher: Pride Publishing (Bonnaire)

Cover Artist: Emmy Ellis

Length: Words: 23,153/No. of Pages: 69

General Release Date: October 17

Genre/s: Contemporary MM (note that 3 of the books in the series have BDSM themes, 2 do not)

Blurb

Secrets don’t stay hidden forever.

Hatchet has a thing for the enigmatic Mr. Smith, Horatio Trap’s spokesman. He’d love to get his hands on the pretty man and show him how good it feels to take orders for once rather than hand them out. He’s had his eye on Smith for years and he’s running out of patience.

The Wyverns’ involvement in the drug trade is limited to stealing money from the cartels—they don’t want junk peddled on their turf. When Trap orders them to destroy a crack cocaine factory in Phoenix, they are happy to oblige. But Smith throws a spanner in the works by posing as a potential buyer, putting himself in mortal danger.

Hatchet and The Wyverns come up with a plan to fake Smith’s death, muscle in on the deal and convince the cartel to do business with them instead. But when Hatchet’s cover is blown he’s left to save a bunch of illegals, destroy the drugs and wipe the factory from the face of the planet. It’s all in a night’s work for The Wyverns—but there are still secrets to uncover and the mysterious Horatio Trap and his mind games can’t stay hidden forever.

Buy Links

Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Goodreads Link

Excerpt

“We need a new fucking couch,” Hatchet grumbled. “My spine is turning into a pretzel.” He threw off the thin blanket covering him then swung his legs around so he could sit up. The scent of fresh coffee tickled his nostrils.

“So sleep in a bed like the rest of us,” Orlando said, far too bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for first thing in the morning. He stood next to the couch wafting a mug back and forth. His lime green top hurt Hatchet’s eyes.

“Gimme that coffee, brat.” Hatchet made a swipe for the mug but Orlando stepped away out of reach.

“Nope. This is for Smith. He deserves it more than you do.”

“He’s the reason I need a chiropractor on call.” Hatchet rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Fuck, I need a shower.” He’d slept in an old T-shirt and sweats.

Orlando’s delicate button nose wrinkled. “I could hose you down outside if you like?”

Hatchet levered himself erect. At his full height, he towered over Orlando. “The only scenario I’d enjoy involving you, me and a hose would have the nozzle invading a certain part of your anatomy.”

Orlando’s eyes widened. His lower lip quivered. He thrust the mug of coffee in Hatchet’s direction.

“You think I’m falling for that hurt puppy routine?” Hatchet grabbed the mug before Orlando could change his mind. He took a long swallow. “This was for me all along, wasn’t it?”

Orlando grinned. “I gave Smith his ages ago. You were still snoring. Like a water buffalo.” He scampered toward the kitchen before Hatchet could react. He’d need at least one more mug before he felt up to chasing after Rogue’s obnoxious sub. The coffee was good though.

“The brat giving you trouble?” Rogue, leader of The Wyverns motorcycle club, strolled over.

“Always.” Hatchet raised his mug in a mock-toast. “Makes good coffee, though, so providing you keep warming his ass on a regular basis, I can handle him.”

Rogue ran a hand through his dirty blond hair. “Well, you could be in for a few rough days. I’m thinking about heading out to California. A road trip, then a few days on the beach. I want to see if I can still stand on a surfboard without wiping out.”

Hatchet’s eyes narrowed. “Wait. You’re leaving him here?”

Rogue shrugged. “I told him we were both going, but he said he had to stay here and take care of Smith since you were doing… What were his words? Oh, yeah. A piss poor job of it.”

“He said what?” Rogue had better find himself a new plaything. By the time Hatchet finished burying the brat, they’d never find hide nor hair.

“I’m kidding. Yeah, we’re leaving later today. You okay to handle things here while I’m gone?”

“You know it. As long as you’re taking the brat with you. And, yeah, I almost had a heart attack when you suggested you weren’t.”

Rogue chuckled. “I’m going to let him know now. Smith’s leaving today, right?”

“So he says.” Hatchet shrugged. “Shelton thinks he should rest up a few more days but that man is stubborn as a mule.”

“At least you get your bed back.”

“There is that.” Hatchet stretched, easing the kinks from his muscles. He’d rather Smith remained in his bed, preferably naked, possibly tied down, but he wasn’t going to admit that to Rogue. From his grin, Rogue knew what he was thinking, anyway.

Review

“Holy shit, he grumbled. “Rogue was right. We are getting domesticated.” – Hatchet

Of course ‘domesticated’ is a relative term, open to interpretation and let’s just say that Hatchet’s definition of domestication may not quite match everybody else’s — thankfully.

In fact, our Hatchet is a no nonsense, straight shooting and talking badass biker, not even trying to make himself look or behave ‘acceptable’ and he’s all the more glorious for it.

Mr. Smith is a bit of an enigma. While it has been clear that he is the go-between for The Wyverns and their mysterious leader, Horatio Trap, we’ve learned little about him except that Hatchet has a thing for him. Some of the veil was lifted in Sandtrap but it isn’t until this book that we get to learn more about this man who is not quite what — and so much more than — he appears to be at first.

The relationship between Hatchet and Smith is hot as f**k and equally intriguing, especially since Hatchet takes firm control of the man who is normally in charge of telling him and the rest of his gang what to do. And Smith has no problem whatsoever doing exactly what Hatchet instructs him to do when they’re alone. Because, while it is certainly true that the relationships in Steeltrap and Rattrap are not BDSM-based, the following quote fits both Hatchet and Teddy to a T:

“You’re not a Dom.” Smith pouted.

“Nope, but I am dominant and you love it.”

While I sincerely hope I’m wrong, I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be the final The Wyverns’ story; by the end of Steeltrap all mysteries have been resolved. Having said that, the possibility of more adventures in the future has been left open, and I for one would love to see more of these characters and their antics, both in the world at large and in the privacy of their respective bedrooms.

If you like your men rough, ready, and big-hearted, your sex scenes hot and furious, and your adventures adrenaline fuelled and breath-taking, you could do a lot worse than lose yourself in these five novellas. Enjoy!

CHECK OUT THE OTHER FOUR STORIES IN THE SERIES

MANTRAP #1

Blurb

Not all cages have bars.

The Wyverns Motorcycle Club has a reputation as fierce as its dragon emblem. Its enigmatic leader, Rogue Hellaby, has a police file so thick you could prop up a table with it. The qualifications for membership are a reckless disregard for authority and the attitude of a spitting cobra. But The Wyverns MC is not quite what it seems. All the riders have dubious histories in the military or the police—now they just serve and protect their own interests and those of Horatio Trap, the manipulative bastard who recruited them.

When Rogue receives an instruction to kidnap and hold hostage the son of a powerful drug lord, he doesn’t bat an eyelid. But Rogue has never had to deal with a captive like Orlando de la Pena. Orlando is furious—not because he’s being held prisoner, but because he’s prevented from partying at his favorite BDSM club. Rogue discovers that the only way to deal with Orlando is to become the Dom he so obviously needs. But Orlando’s father wants him back, and The Wyverns must face a battle that could cost them their lives.

Review

Oh my, this book is all action, tough men, very sexy times, and barely a moment to catch your breath; I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Rogue Hellaby is all few words, tough exterior and a heart of gold. And when he takes control he’s all sorts of dominant and breathtaking. Orlando de la Pena is all attitude to cover up the little boy lost hiding beneath the façade. From the moment they first set eyes on each other in the BDSM club it is clear that they are both polar opposites and perfect for each other. But, wonderful scene notwithstanding, Orlando is less than impressed when his new found favourite Dom subsequently takes him hostage.

And that may be where I have my one and only my issue with this story. Orlando went from furious and outraged to okay with his situation and cooperating just a bit too quickly and too easily for me. It felt like he went from hating Rogue and the situation he finds himself to happy to stay where he is, in just a heartbeat, where I would have expected him to put up a bit more of a ‘fight’ if only for appearances sake.

Other than that, this novella was a thrilling and captivating read. There really isn’t a boring paragraph or sentence in this book. I can’t wait to read the sequels. I’ve got a feeling these men and their antics are going to continue to keep me spellbound.

DEATHTRAP #2

Blurb

A man without scars never had to fight for something he believed in.

A new relationship takes time and effort. A new relationship with Orlando de la Pena takes a whole lot more. As a Dom, Rogue knows what he wants, but Orlando refuses to fit neatly into the box labeled ‘submissive’. He’s feisty, demanding and far too pretty for his own good.

Orlando loves Rogue and he’s learning to love The Wyverns, but he hates being stuck out in the desert. Finding a niche in the world of bikes and fierce warriors is difficult, and Orlando’s impatience gets the better of him. He walks out into the desert and runs in to an antisocial diamondback.

Rogue has more than one problem to deal with. The Longhorns MC issues a challenge for territory. The Bellazi cartel is out for Wyvern blood. The Wyverns are under siege, and Rogue has to work out how to save not just Orlando, but all of them.

Reader Advisory: This books contains scenes of mild BDSM

Review

Deathtrap more or less picks the story up where Mantrap ended. Orlando is still living with the Wyverns and submitting to Rogue, but it’s not without its complications. Orlando doesn’t really fit into to the MC mould and has also been confined to the compound since his safety in the outside world can’t be guaranteed. It’s hardly surprising Orlando is slowly going out of his brain from boredom. Rogue not picking up on exactly how restless Orlando is becoming is no surprise either, since he’s still up to his neck in problems with other gangs.

It all comes to a head when Orlando decides to go for a walk and runs into unexpected but no less lethal danger. With a gang from Texas challenging the Wyverns, Rogue suddenly finds himself facing a potentially deadly fight with a rival gang leader while worrying about the man he’s fallen for, hard.

This story is as fast and furious as the first instalment and the reader doesn’t really have a moment to come up for breath until they reach the end of the both sexy and endearing epilogue.

“You flame like the sun, Orlando. You’re a bright spark in my darkness. From the moment we met, we were as inevitable as this sunset and just as unstoppable.” – Rogue

While there have been hints before, this moment makes it perfectly clear that underneath the gruff and brutal exterior, Rogue really does have a heart of gold. So it’s hardly surprising when Orlando responds as follows:

“You can speak real pretty when you want to.”

These are such wonderful books. I love the banter between the The Wyvern men, the fast-paced stories and the enticing combination of suspense, emotion, and sexiness. I’m delighted that I have three more titles in this series waiting for me on my Kindle.

RATTRAP #3

Blurb

Sometimes the only way to spring a trap is to use live bait.

Teddy Austin has had more than his share of run-ins with local law enforcement. The Wyverns have a reputation to maintain, and Teddy feels it’s his duty to cause havoc whenever possible. Of course, getting arrested means time in the company of Sheriff Adrian Hayder—always a bonus—though Teddy would far prefer to have the sheriff wearing the cuffs.

When The Knights of War MC arrives in Phoenix, Trap orders The Wyverns to get inside information. In order to infiltrate the gang, Teddy must appear to betray his friends and switch his allegiance. Working undercover, however, he confirms what they have all suspected—The Knights of War are a cover for something much more sinister than a hell-raising bunch of bikers, and they fully intend to turn Phoenix into a battleground.

With Sheriff Hayder getting far too close to the truth, Teddy is left with a few problems—how to stop a war, keep his balls intact and ensure the man he loves keeps breathing.

Review

“What a pair we make. Both emotionally dysfunctional”

And that quote tells you pretty much everything you need to know about this book and about Teddy and Adrian. These two men are more than a match for each other, and more inclined to exchange insults than endearments, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t exactly what the other needs.

If I thought the earlier two books were testosterone filled, Rattrap takes that to a whole new level both in the bedroom and in the world at large. And the danger our men, and especially Teddy, have to deal with is even more horrific than what we encountered in Mantrap and Deathtrap.

This whole story is one, long, adrenaline rush. The action, in one form or another, begins more or less on page one and doesn’t let up until the last paragraph. In between we are treated to extreme violence, grave danger, and brutal love; if that isn’t a recipe for a fascinating read I don’t know what is. While this book, unlike the first two, doesn’t deal with BDSM, there most definitely is some sort of dynamic between Teddy and Adrian, and to say it was hot, would be a gross understatement.

If you like your stories fast paced, sexually explicit and at times brutal, The Wyverns’ series should be right up your street.

SAND TRAP #4

Blurb

Exposing secrets can be lethal.

Crow has had his eye on baby-faced Shelton since the young man became part of the Wyverns, but Crow is a committed Dom and unsure that Shelton is ready, or willing, to become his submissive. Getting trapped together during a dust storm provides an opportunity to find out.

When the dust settles, the winds have scoured the desert and uncovered a shallow grave full of bodies. Smuggling people across the border is big business and Crow knows that the traffickers will not want their gruesome secret revealed to the authorities.

When Shelton is taken and used as collateral, Crow and the Wyverns have to decide just how far they are prepared to go to serve justice and save Shelton’s life.

Goodreads

Review

Crow and Shelton’s story has been building since the first book in The Wyverns’ series and to say I was ready for these two men to get together would be a gross understatement.

On the surface, Crow and Shelton are as different as it is possible for people to get. Tough, big and dominant Crow is the polar opposite to Shelton’s quiet, studious and submissive nature. But, as is so often the case, opposites attract and in this case, they also fit perfectly together. Shelton may not be sure whether or not he actually wants or is able to submit to Crow before they first get intimate; the experience erases all his doubts as he discovers he was made to follow Crow’s orders.

And then it all goes to hell when Shelton’s taken hostage. Poor Crow goes out of his mind, torn between worry and guilt while Shelton finds himself having to deal with terror and humiliation only to discover he is much braver than he would ever have given himself credit for.

As much as I loved reading about the previous pairings, I think Shelton and Crow are my favourites (so far?) and that may well be due to the fact that the build up to their coming together has been stretched out over the previous three books. Because if there’s one thing that’s never in doubt it is that these two men belong together.

As always, this stories provides the reader with an adrenaline filled adventure of sexiness, danger and violence; a thoroughly addictive combination. And I’m so happy that Sandtrap appears to be laying the foundations for Hatchet at last getting his (wicked?) way with Mr. Smith. I feel very lucky that I already have Steeltrap lined up as my next read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.

She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.

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