The Wicked Aftermath

<b>"You and the girls changed my life, darlin’. I look forward to teaching the girls to ride bikes and climb trees, teaching Junie to tattoo and Rosie to do whatever she’s into. But most of all, I look forward to a lifetime of loving you."</b><br />I don't believe in things "of the year". My favorite movies have been my favorites forever, and the same is true for songs and books. I just keep adding more to my list. Those are the ones that stay with me.<br /><br />This book is going to stay with me for a while, for the sheer happiness it makes me feel to see good people getting their happily ever after. When all's said and done, that's what we all want, after all the heartbreak, sorrow and crap this life puts us through.<br /><br />This is the second book in the The Wickeds series, and it's Tank's and Leah's story.<br /><br /><b>"I’m here for whatever you or they need. You can use me as a punching bag seven days a week, and it won’t faze me, other than making me feel sad for your grief. There’s nothing I can’t handle."</b><br />Like all of Melissa's heroes, Tank really is something. He's fiercely loyal and protective, he does everything for those he cares about, and even for strangers. That's how big his heart is. Underneath his gruff, leave-me-alone exterior, he's such a wonderful person it's hard not to want him to be real. Tank's a tattoo artist, and I love that about him, as much as I love that he's a biker. For you to understand Tank, you need to know he lost his sister, and he never really recovered from it. Grief has a way of twisting us up, even when you're surrounded by the wonderful family he has.<br /><br /><b>"When he closed his eyes, he saw Leah front and center, just as he had for the past several months, and he knew in his gut that even if they’d been on two separate continents, they’d eventually have found each other, because soul-deep connections were once in a lifetime."</b><br />Leah's had it rough. She lost her dad, one of the people who mattered most to her in the world, a few years back. She had to raise her kid brother herself, and was there for him when he got into trouble. It seems like she's had more than one person can take, but life can be very unforgiving. My heart broke for her, because she so deserves to be happy.<br /><br /><b>"Tank’s smile is spotted less frequently than Big Foot or the Loch Ness Monster. You’ve touched our gruff giant in a way nobody else has been able to."</b><br />I've badmouthed life enough, and it's time to pay her some compliments. While she seems to go out of her way to punish us, sometimes she sets the right people in our path. Tank and Leah are both grief-stricken, and they need to keep moving forward with their lives, even though something has been left behind for both of them.<br />Tank has noticed Leah before, waitressing at his parents' place. Leah has definitely noticed Tank before as well, towering over everyone and part of the Dark Knights.<br />But what happens when life brings them together in a way that breaks your heart, while knowing all the pieces will be glued back together, with soul-bearing love and the hottest chemistry you can find?<br /><br /><b>"I’ve never felt like this before, and once we do this, once I know how it feels to be inside you, I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same again."</b><br />This book is a journey, both for the characters and the readers. A journey from almost not talking to each other, to Tank being there for Leah every step of the way, even when she's overthinking it. From Tank being a loner to being wrapped around the girls' fingers. From Leah being alone to finding the friends, the family, and the future she was always entitled to having. From sorrow to a happily-ever-after that will leave a smile on your face. I'm still smiling now.<br /><br /><b>"We’re going to be dancing at this festival when the girls are old enough to make fun of us and tell us it’s gross when we kiss."</b><br />Tank and Leah needed to be made whole again. I keep imagining them like two forgotten pieces of a 1000-piece puzzle, without which it can't be completed. That puzzle was their life, together. And all the pieces are now accounted for.<br /><br />From grief and pain to everlasting, all-encompassing, boundless love, it was a beautiful, heartwarming, tear-filled read for me, and is one of my forever books now.

<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1669657696i/33664810.jpg" width="400" height="550" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b>4.5 Stars</b><br><br><b>‘He could take down six men single-handedly, but as he headed outside feeling all warm and squishy, he knew he was no match for the debilitating power of those three girls.’</b><br><br>After devouring A Little Bit Wicked, our first taste of the Dark Knights MC Club, and our first foray into the storytelling world of Melissa Foster, we were desperate to get stuck into The Wicked Aftermath to uncover Tank’s story, a mountain of a man with the heart of a lion who captured our hearts in book one, and we absolutely LOVED it! A beautiful story of loss, love, and healing.<br><br><b> <i>“Rest baby. You’re safe with me.”</i> </b><br><br>The Wicked Aftermath begins in a heartbreaking and deeply emotional way – our hearts weren’t prepared! We gathered ourselves off the floor and readied ourselves for Leah Yates and Benson (Tank) Wickeds beautifully moving love story.<br><br><b>His throat thickened. <i>“I’d hold my breath if it means Leah could breathe.”</i></b><br><br>Melissa Foster once again captures the lifeblood of the Dark Knights – the bond of brotherhood, loyalty, and love, and whilst we said previously, this isn’t your gritty MC sort of book – these men believe in honesty, respect, family, and loving and protecting those close to their heart. What they lack in grit, they make up for in heart. Their club is all about community and family.<br><br><b> <i>“I’m not here out of obligation, darlin.’ I don’t leave the special people in my life alone. End of story.”</i> </b><br><br>After suffering more than most can handle, Leah Yates, a waitress at Tanks parents’ restaurant, is left to pick up the pieces of her life whilst looking after her two beautiful little girls Rosie and Junie. For Leah, she’s always had to do things herself, never having friends or a big family to help along the way. However, that changes when Tank feels a responsibility for Leah, Junie, and Rosie.<br><br><b> <i>“I made you girls a promise, and Wickeds always keep their promises.”</i> </b><br><br>Leah has always been skittish around Tank. He’s quite the man – a big burly tattooed, pierced biker with a tough exterior and a heart of gold. Leah and Tank have suffered similar tragedies, and as they explore their feelings, and bonds develop, they learn to support and love really do help heal the heart. We knew Tank would be something else, but he blasted his way into our hearts even more.<br><br><b> <i>“They’re the toughest men I’ve ever met.”<br>“Me too, but don’t let them fool you. They’ve got big, breakable hearts like the rest of us.”</i> </b><br><br>We adore this series and love the small-town vibe this author creates so vividly – it’s as though we’re there. At the core of each story are family and friendship, and those don’t come any better than the Girl Squad – what a supportive and fun group of women.<br><br>We can’t wait to find out more about the Wickeds and immerse ourselves in their stories. A perfect escape and what a fabulous way to while away the day! Bravo Melissa Foster!<br><br><b> <i>“I’m falling hard for you, darlin,’ and every day those feelings get bigger.”</i> </b><br><br><b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3i8twFt" rel="nofollow noopener">Ebook</a> </b><br><b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3GSeJsQ" rel="nofollow noopener">Paperback</a> </b><br><b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3imqhup" rel="nofollow noopener">Audio</a> </b><br>--<br><br><br><br><br><b>Come and say hi, at:</b><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1552004656i/27170373._SX540_.png" height="150" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><b>✲ <a href="http://totallybookedblog.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">TotallyBookedBlog</a><br>✲ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/totallybookedblog/%20" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Facebook</a><br>✲ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_real_totallybookedblog/" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Instagram</a><br>✲ <a href="https://twitter.com/TotallyBooked1%20&lt;/b&gt;" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Twitter</a><br>✲ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/totallybookedb/" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Pinterest</a></b>

I don't know how Melissa Foster does it but she creates the absolute best couples ever! Tank and Leah's story is one that will grip you with so many emotions, I cried for a good majority of the book but in between Juni and Rosie had me cracking up. This story is about loss of a loved one, the process of grieving and trying to move forward, finding love, and discovering a family you didn't expect. I completed this read in a day even though I had to put it down a couple of times to compose myself, I couldn't help but go right back to it because it was sooooo good!<br><br>This story will gut you but I promise it will put you together again in the best possible way before it's over. My heart swelled with emotions throughout this story, it was so heartbreakingly beautiful you cannot help but fall in love with each and everyone in this book. From Benson aka Tank, to Leah, to the precious little girls who had me craving Pincakes for breakfast. I don't know how Ms. Foster is going to top this one, and I know I have said that before but man Tank is going to be hard to knock out of the top book boyfriend spot.<br><br>I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you enjoy Contemporary Romances, MC Romances, or are just looking for a good Steamy read, this is one you won't want to miss.<br><br>Happy Reading!!!<br><br>Read an Excerpt here: <a href="http://bit.ly/NBReviewTWA" rel="nofollow noopener">http://bit.ly/NBReviewTWA</a><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1623244488i/31465173.png" alt="the wicked aftermath by melissa foster" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1595551620p8/3925330.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="Nadine's Obsessed with Books" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, <a href="https://www.nadinesobsessedwithbooks.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nadine's Obsessed with Books</a>**<br>You can find me here:  <a href="https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic" rel="nofollow noopener">https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic</a><br>

I have heard that this installment is one of the best of the series so I was super eager to read this one and it was a BLAST. I just couldn't put this one down and I had so much fun reading this couple and everyone involved in the story. There is something so unique about the way that Melissa Foster just captures the essence of deep emotion with it. I was so captivated by the sense of family and especially the heartfelt emotion. The story stars with a sad beginning, and my heart just broke for this family, but seeing the way that our hero is such a protector and stands with them and guides them through their grief was so beautiful. I really adored how the Wickeds just come together for this family suffering such a blow and stand with them, there is such a sense of community that is highly focused on. I also really enjoyed the romance as a whole. Even though we have kids in the picture, there is still such a strong focus on the relationship and chemistry between them. I really adored how strong the hero is and doesn't let small things that is a result from the grief to keep him from being there for her. He is so strong and steady and has a self awareness that is so endearing. Overall I had such a blast with this one and what a great way to kick off my reading week!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I have been looking forward to Tank and Leah’s story after their introduction in A Little Bit Wicked. After receiving The Wicked Aftermath for review I received a tissue/ugly cry warning. With that in mind, I expected it to be an emotional read. It may not have had me reaching for tissues, but it left me feeling bittersweet.<br /><br />I started out enjoying the banter shared between the characters. It is always fun hanging out with the characters Foster creates. Then the unthinkable happened, which sent me into a slight tailspin. It made me sad seeing it all unfold, and my heart ached for Leah. She has lost so much already. How much more can she bear?<br /><br />Amidst the sadness, Junie and Rosie provided a ray of hope and sunshine. These two beautiful and adorable little girls who called Leah, mom, were her anchor in her storm of grief. Also, the support she received from Tank and his family helped in so many ways.<br /><br />I loved the relationship which developed between Tank and Leah. Tank looked out for her and the girls every chance he got. Tank may appear to have it all together, but a tragedy from his past still haunts him. His willingness to help Leah through her grief would provide the healing he needed. They shared an attraction prior to the tragic event, so I can see how easy it would be for love to grow between them. The passion they shared was so intense; readers were sure to be left hot and bothered. Tragedy may have brought them together, but in the end, love bound them forever.<br /><br />The relationship Tank had with Rosie and Junie had me smiling. Their interactions were riddled with cuteness galore. He may appear tough on the outside, but deep down he a softie at heart. Here we see this tough and broody biker who willingly dresses like Peter Pan, tights and all, so he could grant a little girl her heart’s desire.<br /><br />Foster is known for creating stories with strong family connections, and The Wicked Aftermath was no different. It warmed my heart to see how the Wicked’s embraced Leah, Junie, and Rosie. They provided them with a sense of belonging. Also, the camaraderie and the way they made fun of each other had me laughing at their antics.<br /><br />This is one of those stories that is likely to break your heart into tiny little fragments, while providing you the support needed to mend the broken pieces. Overall, in The Wicked Aftermath, Foster created an engaging and heart-warming story of loss, hope, love and healing, which featured a strong heroine and a swoon worthy hero.<a href="https://totallyaddicted2reading.bookblog.io/2021/06/review-the-wicked-aftermath-by-melissa-foster.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading</a>

I fell in love with the Dark Knights when I first picked up Tru Blue what feels like forever ago and got sucked in by the awesomeness of Melissa Foster's words. And I have loved every book in that series. Some of them have been sweet and gentle while others have ripped me apart and pieced me back together with pieces of their story embedded.<br /><br />Right before I jumped into this book I read the warning that this book was emotional so I put it off for a bit so I could read it free from toddler interruptions. And I am so glad I did because by 10% of this book I was clutching the tissues with tears streaming down my face. And although the book wasn't sad and depressing, I did have moments throughout the book where those tears would pop back up.<br /><br />Tank was everything we expect from the Dark Knights with their motto of love, loyalty and respect for all. And even though he had been through hell he came out forged by the fire. I loved every little thing about him. He was so all in from the moment he laid eyes on Leah and when he realised the full extent of her situation, he didn’t even bat an eye before he doubled down on his efforts to win her over.<br /><br />Of course, Leah was a strong and independent woman who despite everything that had happened didn't need anyone to save her. She was fully capable of looking after herself and everyone around her. But once she opened up to everything Tank was dying to offer her she just got even better. Because the two of them together was a beautiful thing to witness and I put the book down with a big goofy grin on my face and a feel good feeling I couldn’t shake.<br /><br />As can always be expected from a Melissa Foster book I read this as a standalone and loved it, I will absolutely come back and read book 1 in the series. There were an awesome number of secondary characters who were just as beautiful as the main characters and the family was awesome.<br /><br />Loved it.

<a href="https://app.photobucket.com/u/theguidetoromancenovels/p/8602f1f4-38ff-405d-b885-e6c96603ff6c" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1619472577i/31241258._SX540_.png" alt="project_20210426_1210222-01" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br>This was EVERYTHING &amp; MORE, check out my <b>FULL REVIEW &amp; TEASER I MADE</b> on my BLOG -&gt; <a href="https://tgtrnbookreviews.com/2021/05/08/r-e-v-i-e-w-%E2%9E%A0-the-wicked-aftermath-by-melissa-foster/" rel="nofollow noopener">CLICK HERE</a> <br><a href="https://app.photobucket.com/u/theguidetoromancenovels/p/044d0b54-f035-4f88-99cd-02b7c2159f1c" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1618757543i/31199388.png" alt="project_20210205_0645269-01" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

What can I say about this book. I am in awe of Melissa's writing. Every book is a work of art, but now and again you read one that really hits you with all the feels and stays with you weeks, or months, after reading it. Tru Blue was, for me, an awesome read and turning point in Melissa's writing. Her romances often have some angst as that is just real life, people go through hardships, illnesses, divorces, have awful childhoods...but there is always the happy ending. But when a story is more gritty, and you just know Melissa will put your heart through the wringer before gradually piecing it back together again, then the tears and heartache are all worth it. Every sigh and heart palpitation well earned due to the masterful writing.<br />The Wicked Aftermath is one such book. There have been other books since Tru Blue that made me go WOW! But believe me, this one is a powerful read from the get go. I will go so far as to say that I think it may even just eclipse Tru Blue. <br />When an author warns that it is a 'two boxes of tissues read' you know she means business. I won't give away any spoilers, but be warned that something happens in Chapter One and you will be crying. I sobbed so hard I could hardly read through my tears, and tissues weren't cutting it so I reverted to a kitchen towel - much more absorbent!<br />There are lots of sad moments, but big gruff Tank is a complete softy underneath and the way he helps Leah and the girls is so touching. And what can I say about Junie and Rosie? Melissa just writes the cutest kids.<br />This book, like Tru Blue, really needs to be made into a movie. I mean REALLY, REALLY.<br />I loved every single word. It was a smorgasbord of delicious verbiage.

O.M.G! This book - no words can adequately describe this book. The Wicked Aftermath is my first Wicked/Dark Knights book. Safe to say that I’ve added them all to my TBR list and have a folder labelled: Melissa’s Book Babies on my eReader.<br /><br />Benson “Tank” Wicked is everything a book boyfriend should be. He is a bearded, tatted, pierced Unicorn with a Capital U. The world needs more men like Tank. Somebody make a mold of this incredible man, right the hell now! I am head over kindle in love with him. He is a volunteer firefighter, tatto artist and biker. He’s also a dedicated son, loyal sibling, generous boss, loving boyfriend and a toddler whisperer. In other words - the whole package. But by far the thing I loved most about him, was how he was the man that Leah, Rosie and Junie needed. Watching him love on them, made this an unputdownable romance read. <br /><br />From page 1, The Wicked Aftermath will take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride as you navigate every single emotion out there. There will be incredible highs and devastating lows but in the end, happiness, love and family will prevail. Do yourself a favor and add this book to your TBR list and fall in love, like I did, with Tank and Leah and the entire Dark Knights At Bayside family. <br />

The Wicked Aftermath was the second book in The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series by Melissa Foster. It was one of many in her Love in Bloom series. <br /><br />Tank Wicked was the dark brooding wicked. After suffering a major loss, he was out to save the world. He was a volunteer fire fighter, tattooist, shop owner, friend, brother, and son. His mission in life was to help others, always.<br /><br />Leah Yates was a newer employee at the Salty Dog, the bar owned by Tank’s parents, Conroy and Ginger Wicked. She kept to herself most of the time but Tank could tell she had a few secrets and his protective streak was in high gear. Little did he know what was in store for them both.<br /><br />What an emotional ride. The storyline was very sad and full of life lessons. As always with Foster, it was well written, well developed and an HEA. But the road to getting there was a long one. Well worth the read, but one where I had to take some breaks before traveling down at full speed. Foster also gave us sneak peeks into the rest of the wicked clan and I totally can’t wait for more.