Thorn

Salvation's Bane, MC, Book 3

By: Marteeka Karland

Narrated by: Umi Markkanen

Mariana -- If it weren’t for bad luck…
Yeah. That’s me. I found myself stranded on the side of the road after my boyfriend threw me out. My mother, bless her heart, thinks I’m dragging her to the pits of hell because I got myself knocked up. All of which I could deal with. What nearly put me in a panic was the big, muscle-bound, tattooed biker who pulled up behind me, ordering me to “pop the hood.” I was scared, but, God, the man was smoking hot! Had I not been hot, tired, and pregnant, I might have gotten on my knees and begged him to take me. Instead, I kept that part of myself tightly under control. Sort of.

Thorn -- Ana isn’t like anyone I’ve ever come across.
If there’s a woman in this world who needs pampering, it’s her. She’s half starved, on the verge of heat stroke, and I steamrolled my way into her life. But I wasn’t prepared for the call I got from the hospital or the sight of her broken body. I’m all about vengeance, and someone is going to pay for this. Dearly. And my little Ana is going to have to learn to take on a man like me. Because somewhere around the very first time I saw her, I might have gone and fallen in love with her.

WARNING (Spoiler Alert): Traumatic pregnancy loss and explicit violence which could be triggers for some listeners. As always, you can expect a HEA with no cheating.

©2020 Marteeka Karland (P)2024 Marteeka Karland

When fate slams the brakes, love hits the gas.

This story hooked me from the start. Mariana’s voice is raw, sarcastic, and completely relatable, her inner monologue had me laughing one minute and tearing up the next. And then Thorn shows up… all brooding, tattooed biker energy and unexpectedly tender vibes. Their chemistry is explosive, but it’s the emotional depth and intensity of their journey that really got me.

I listened to the audio version, and let me just say, Umi Markkanen absolutely nailed it. Her narration brought Mariana and Thorn to life with so much emotion and nuance. She captured Mariana’s strength, fear, and wit perfectly, and gave Thorn that growly, commanding tone that made you believe every protective word he said.

This isn’t a light or fluffy romance, it deals with some very heavy themes like pregnancy loss and violence, but it also delivers healing, vengeance, loyalty, and a deeply satisfying HEA. If you want a gritty, passionate story with unforgettable characters and top-notch narration, this one is a must-listen.

Acceptance

This entire series is great because these men are mean and possessive immediately upon locking eyes. Thorn is the one of the ultimate protectors but he doesn't think he has the right to want llthat love especially with Marianna, being already pregnant and so young.

I wasn't crazy about the storyline because of her losing the baby but Marianna's mother was a whole bag of dust - served no purpose for anybody. What I found most interesting is the actions of her mother...you love your child no matter their mistakes and when they call you go and help....her mother was some real pice of work.

I love Umi's voice and how you can truly distinguish between character based on slight adulation in the voice.

I am so looking forward to more!!!! Please!?!?!?

The whole MC is out to protect.

A heartwrenching MC Romance. Heed the triggers. Thorn is the MCs prez. He happens upon Mariana who is in distress. Twists. Turns. Tragedy. And whew...HEA.
I was gifted an Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. The narrator, Umi Markkanen is truly the best. She has such a sweet, kind voice for the female characters, and her male voices are very believable. 5 stars for her as well.

Thorn

Mariana's story was very heartbreaking. Thorn was very determined. Marteeka Karland is amazing with the these books. I absolutely love Umi Markkanen voice.

Great book

Great audiobook. Good storyline with drama and some humor. Has some sad parts that nagged at me. World building was done well. I liked the characters and they were done well and I enjoy see characters from book to book in series. I received this with promo credit and this is honest review