DESOLATION ROAD is filled with love, romance, family (though maybe not stereotypical, but family nonetheless), action, danger, twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages with eagerness and sometimes with your heart in your throat. Another amazing read Ms. Feehan!

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=71023

This series is dark and edgy with topics that are often difficult to read or even comprehend. Each character has suffered incomprehensible trauma that has not only created unbroken bonds between them but also shaped them into the instruments of justice that they are today.  Aleksei is a touch sensitive who not only acts as a human lie detector but also allows him to draw out the pain and darkness suffered by his brothers and sisters.  A woman who can soothe his raw edges and grant him peace is a treasure he'd give his soul to hide and protect.  Given that Scarlet has secrets of her own to protect .......
I started this series not sure whether the darkness is something that I want as a leisure reader but I must be suffering from Stockholm's syndrome :) since I can't stop devouring every new book that comes out.  I applaud the author for handling such difficult subjects and unimaginable subjects as a background to her ultimately hopeful happily ever ending for these characters who have barely survived childhoods and adulthoods that make a reader shudder. 
The story starts out so cutely as both Scarlet and Aleksei live in their minds drawing erotic fantasies without much of a conversation being exchanged between them. Scarlet has her own past scars and gifts so it seems difficult to imagine how the story will play out but as we romance readers know love conquers all. Aleksei or Absinthe as he is known as uncovers all of Scarlet's secrets and brings the considerable resources of Torpedo Ink to their partnership.  I love the contrast between the sexual dominant into kitten play, tails and collars with the man who stands back supportively letting his woman take the lead on her own agenda.
An excellent chapter in the series. I like how each book takes us deeper into the world of Torpedo Ink and gives us insights into the souls of each character with the deep dive being reserved for the character who's story is being told.  From standing at the edge afraid to jump in, I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Desolation Road by Christine Feehan is the 4th book in her Torpedo Ink series. Brief refresher for this series: Czar is the president of Torpedo Ink, and together with the men and women he brought with him from Russia, they created their Torpedo Ink MC club in Casper (near Safe Haven). Each of these members have suffered terrible abuse in their childhoods in Russia, being forced to all become lethal assassins; each still very much trying to find the light inside their darkness. They've all been through a horrible ordeal since they were children, with continued nightmares/demons. But they are never alone, their brothers and sisters always have their back, as they are determined to protect each other.

Absinthe, our hero, has psychic abilities that allows him to tell if people are lying, not to mention the pain and suffering he endures as he can hear or feel the pain in all his brothers and sisters. There are times when he goes into the memories of the past, that finds him having issues on coming out of them. With the men starting to find the women of their dreams, Absinthe never thought he would have the chance to find his own, until he goes to the library for quiet time. Meet Scarlet Foley.
Scarlet, our heroine, is the local librarian, and she immediately can feel the attraction to the handsome man who has been coming to the library daily. Scarlet is determined not to allow herself to act on her feelings, especially since she has her own agenda, which she has worked on for many years.

Absinthe finds himself having fantasies about Scarlet, with her red hair and green eyes, but most importantly somehow being near her quiets all his demons. Eventually Absinthe will ask Scarlet out for dinner, and a very short time their relationship becomes sizzling hot. Of course, Absinthe’s brothers and sisters secretly watch out for him, to make sure he is ok. Torpedo Ink always investigates any newcomers, and soon Absinthe will learn how hard Scarlet’s life has been, and how she is planning her revenge. They will eventually bring her to their club to protect her, and learn more about her, and the hit contract on her life. I loved Scarlet, as she was really a badass, who worked hard to get into shape and plan her revenge for what someone did to her and her family.

What follows is an exciting and violent adventure, bringing the entire team together to stop the evil clubs from the horrible abuse to women and children; as well as teaming together with Scarlet to finally finish her plans. I did have some mixed feelings, as Desolation Road was also highly sexual erotic, with Absinthe’s ‘kinks’, which seemed to carry over to too many scenes. Needless to say, I was not a fan of the ‘kitten’ play side. I do enjoy sexy romances, but I do feel the story should be more into the forefront.

I thought Scarlet and Absinthe made a great couple; Scarlet was perfect for Absinthe, as well as the team. I loved seeing all the Torpedo Ink family, as well as their wives we loved from the previous three books. I love the concept of this wonderful group that are loyal together, and determined to save the abused children.
Desolation Road is a dark romantic story, that is also very emotional, as we continue to learn through the eyes of the members what they had to endure in Russia (abuse, rape, torture, and murder). But they are survivors, who are totally loyal to each other, and it’s fun to watch as each will slowly find their way to love. Despite the dark violent story, Desolation Road was a great read, exciting, sexy, with a fabulous group of characters.

3.5 STARS

Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov lives and breathes Torpedo Ink, but those brothers and sisters who are his lifeline to the world are also taking a massive toll on his own psyche. One aspect of Absinthe’s abilities helps drain the horrible memories from his “family” of the vile and abusive time they spent in a Russian assassin’s school, but he has to live them with each person aided. In order to find some peace, Absinthe seeks sanctuary in a library where not many of Torpedo Ink MC members would normally be seen so Absinthe hides the fact of his club membership. Absinthe’s reason for coming back time and again besides seeking peace is the sexy librarian who stirs his blood and fuels some very dark fantasies.

Scarlet Foley’s equal attraction to the dangerous, tattooed man who watches her with an intensity she can feel makes her want things that are equally dark and oh so very tempting. Scarlet’s secret and perilous past of her own includes an agenda that totally belies the prudish and good girl persona she has crafted. Scarlet can’t help but be very attracted to this enigma of a heavily tattooed and intense man. Scarlet may look meek and mild, but that is all a facade. Absinthe knows she has some secrets he is determined to ferret out while making her his own.

Two terribly broken people finding love and solace after unthinkable suffering is always at the heart of this series. Each member has survived the unthinkable and turned it for good in a Robin Hood sort of way, but they are still dealing with a lot of ingrained damage from torture and horrific abuse. Fourth in the Torpedo Ink series, Absinthe’s book continues the story of how this extremely wounded group is making their way in a sometimes very confusing world with the help of women who love them. Scarlet fits into Absinthe’s world including some of his more out-there intimate desires. While I enjoy this series very much, I am less a fan of the escalating level of kink sexual and overtly exhibitionist patterns though I understand why the Torpedo Ink members’ background would lead them to such proclivities. Again, as in the previous book, I would prefer more story and less focus on the protracted scenes of bedroom antics that take away from the overall enjoyment.

Dark, Dangerous and searching for peace. Thank you Berkley and Net Galley for the arc. If you have read this series you understand the Torpedo Ink Club comes from horrible back grounds and this is shared in every book. IF not, please be aware this for adults and is very, very intense. I enjoyed Aleksei going to the library and "reading" various books so he could check out Scarlett. You see things from Aleskei's view and from Scarletts. There are surprising twist, some new characters and you just know there is going to be trouble down the road in other books. So yes no matter what I will definitely be reading them. I was amazed at Scarletts strength, and after the honeymoon, when *it* really hit the fan, (trying not to do spoilers is so hard) and she was yelling and crying.... that was such an honest emotion. I am not in her league, I would have been screaming that way sooner, even knowing they had been through hell. As someone else said, this book needed more balance. Once they hooked up I kept struggling to find the story line it got lost in the pages and pages of sex. I don't personally care if its kinky or g rated, I can skim, but there has to be story left to read. There was, just not enough for me. This is a dark erotic book with triggers for many. The plot itself twisted my heart, like wringing out a wet towel, than provided some hope, some light peeking through. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.

Feehan's latest in her spin off Torpedo Ink series, Desolation Road, gives us Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov's story. A member of MC, Torpedo Ink, he like his brethren still suffers from his time spent in the Russian school. His interest is peaked by a librarian whose presence quiets the emotions in his head. As he seeks to make her his, he comes to learn that he is not the only one who is fighting demons from their past.

Finally a another Feehan alpha hero that doesn't make me want to burn down his world with him in it. A definite alpha, his personality tempered with caution and common sense. Feehan builds a solid action packed storyline around him, addressing previous plot lines, while adding some spicy erotic romance. I liked that Feehan took the time to build this couples' relationship while acknowledging their sexual proclivities and making them seem organic. Nothing felt forced or arriving from out in left field (like the previous book). This couple is well matched in temperament and skill and it helps to stabilize the rest of the story.

The ending is action packed and sets the stage for the next in the series. Hopefully this trend continue.

I love reading this series and I fall a little in love with each with every story. Aleksei and Scarlet are two amazing characters with so much love to give. Their stories and what they have had to face keeps you glued to the book till the very last page. I do have to say that some of the love scenes where a little out of my comfort zone at times, but I also understand why that was based on Aleksei's background and the horrible things that he faced and how loving someone means giving them your all. A wonderful story and an amazing series, as usual, Christine Feehan has outdone herself, have not read a book by her that I did not love!

I always have a private chuckle at the instalove that seems to happen in Christine Feehan novels, but I'm a sucker for them too. CF fans will also be really glad to catch up with new and old characters in this ongoing series. I enjoyed this one and was really happy to see that the heroine is a librarian and the hero loves books. It made my librarian heart happy!

AHHHH!! I have been waiting for Absinthe's book for the longest time!! He was so enigmatic and sexy in the previous other stories that I was super intrigued by him. I thought his chemistry with Scarlett was combustible. I loved the draw and attraction between them!!

While this book follows the other prior books in the series, the suspense and underlying story arch between the prior series remained the same. Overall, this story was amazing! There smexy scenes were hot but there was a kink between Absinthe and Scarlett that was different and unexpected and yet suited them. I am so obsessed with this MC and all of the players that I can't wait for more!

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

While I had hoped to love this book with the strong female character I felt that the sexual proclivities in this one went to far for me. It took over the story and contradicted a bit with the feel of the female character. I feel that freehand storyline was great but even with a strong female character she ended up pushing her to the back burner and making her feel weaker instead of standing with the male character. Overall if this had been my first book from the series I would not continue reading.

I wanted to like this because it had so many of my favorite tropes and characters. However I feel like the content of the book, specifically the secual kink of the couple was way more extreme than I was expecting. I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum, but this kink seemed to come out of no where and was way more fringe than I expected to see. Also the past incidents of child abuse just made the book way too dark for me.

I do quite like this series but I also feel while I'm reading it that I'm missing either a back story or a subplot the whole time. Especially where it comes to Czar and his brothers whom are now part of this MC.

This time around we finally get Absinthe's story. His back story and his demons were very interesting. I liked the fact of how much respect these men have for woman and realize their importance and strength that is needed to be with them and to love them.

His woman was a super strong kick ass heroine named Scarlet. She was strong yet still had softness to her. Her heart was huge and her back story was also very sad and painful. I loved that these two balanced each other and helped strengthen their natural abilities while being together.

What did throw me off was Absinthe's kink. I have no problem with any kink but his felt out of no where when it was mentioned. It was all of a sudden with something like 'oh , here is a tail." Then all of a sudden that particular kink was a HUGE part of the story. I felt like there could have been a bit more build up to that part of him and for Scarlet as well.

The other thing that confused me as the fact that Scarlett was such an independent working woman then I get why she had to quit her job but I was surprised she never worked again. Maybe that will get mentioned in the series later. But since the store being part of their new business I thought maybe she would run that or that they'd build her a library or something.

Besides those parts I did like the story and I can't wait for more and to have all of these troubled souls find love.

I received an electronic ARC from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley.
The series is far enough in that readers know the characters. Feehan continues to intertwine their stories while focusing on one couple at a time. Absinthe and Scarlet are the latest to connect.
The plot moves quickly but more time devoted to plot and not the kinky sex scenes would have raised the rating for me. She is a master at what she writes but there is a distinct formula to these books. Extremely broken and abused "hero" meets his soulmate who is able to match or adjust to his needs. She is in danger from some source - in this case from a past attempted rape and subsequent mess with a rich family and corrupt members of the justice system. He steps in to protect her, though, in this book, she has definite skills of her own. However, readers continue to come back as she crafts her stories well to draw them in.
Feehan presents the darker sides of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit. This comes through in every series she writes.

I love Christine Feehan and have read dozens of her books but I had a hard time with Vendetta Road and I'm having an even harder time with this one. Feehan has always had a very repetitive and formulaic writing style, which is fine but you have to trust your reader to remember simple facts. This one just smacked me over the head with the same information over and over again.

I just could not get past being told every other paragraph that Scarlet is smart, taught herself to be an incredibly fast reader, and how she retains facts and information from everything she reads. HOWEVER, she can NOT remember which princesses go to which fairy tale?!?!?! And why does this little fact bug me so much, you may be wondering? It bugs me because it is said CONSTANTLY. If she retains information so well how can she not remember Snow White lives with 7 dwarfs, when that is literarily the title of the fairy tale. It just drove me nuts.

Information is constantly retold like we can't remember the basic information about the characters. I get refreshing the reader on side characters but the reader does not need to be told over and over again about the main traits of the MAIN characters. It made this book drag for me.

Yes, I love Feehan and I appreciated the book for what it was and yes, of course, the sex is spectacular, but the repetitiveness and the small plot holes just ruined this one for me. If you were annoyed about how I repeatedly talked about the repetitiveness in this review, you will be annoyed by it in the book.

I'm sorry, Christine! If you ever see this- I still love you!

Reading this book was hard for me. On one hand, I enjoy Christine Feehan's writing. On the other, this series and the Leopard one, usually the males are really dominating, and it depends on the guy. I can read the book if I don't like him, but my enjoyment in this book, well, I didn't like him. This is my lowest rated Christine Feehan book, and my first negative review of an ARC. And it's a little bit sad.

I really wanted to like this couple. In the beginning, they had the potential to be my favourites of this series thus far-she's a librarian, they're both intellectuals and love books. But he's an asshole, or he acts like one one too many times for me. Like, there's this one scene midway, where what he likes about her, becomes something that he's afraid of. And he lets fear take control and I got really angry at him-I'm writing this section of the review just after, I haven't finished the book yet-and really, his actions aren't acceptable. I just really didn't like his actions half the time.

There were a few things I really enjoyed about this book, like we found out why some the Torpedo Ink members have their proclivities, and the guilt that Absinthe carries. As well as the threat that is facing Scarlet, and the job that they take on. That was really entertaining!

For me, the beginning and the end were the best parts of this book, because they weren't dealing with their bedroom romps. The relationship stuff, not my thing, but the physical stuff, most definitely not my interest. The beginning and ending had action, and I really enjoyed that!

Honestly, this book is pretty good, it's just that this kinda of relationship isn't my cup of tea, and if it's yours, well, you'll enjoy it. This book was a pretty decent read.

While good, it seems the new style of Feehan’s series is repetition. Names and info are treated like the reader has no memory from two pages previous. And while I love these books, the story is very similar and formulaic. Nearly gone bad boy meets perfect for him girl, she gets scared, tries to run, is stopped and persuaded by tragic past to work through against her own judgement. Time to switch up the plot.

Desolation road is an excellent addition to the Torpedo Ink series. I am impressed with the fluid writing and the intensity of the emotions I felt while reading this book. Ms. Feehane keeps the storyline exciting while introducing Scarlet and Absinthe into her world. I love the sexy librarian feel to the novel and how intelligence is one of Absinthe's main turnon. The writing is also Visceral and unnerving in places, followed by some extremely hot sex scenes. Fanning the flames are the ever-present characters from her earlier books, which I love to see the continued devotion they show to one another. Highly recommend to people who like the MC books and intense erotica too.

Aleksei sometimes has to give his woman a talking to, “alive is better than fast, isn’t that what I said, baby? Alive is the most important to me. I’m grateful you wanted to get here, that means a lot to me, but that road can be dangerous, and your safety is what matters the most. I trust that the next time I say that to you, you’re going to listen to me.” I liked this book, I liked Aleksei.

Good story, but struggled to connect to Absinthe and Scarlet, so didn't care as much about their journey. Their kink was interesting and not something I've come across, definitely not in a mainstream romance
May like it better on the second read.

TW: Torpedo Ink characters have experienced sexual, physical, mental abuse

Yeah, so I loved this. This whole entire series is bananas in the best possible way and this one turns it up like 100 notches. One thing I liked about this book was that the heroine, Scarlett, is herself an accomplished assassin and not someone who needs to be rescued. So for the world of the book, I liked how strong she was. Very enjoyable read in a highly over the top series. Meow.