I don’t apologize or regret the destruction I’m about to cause. I’m at peace with what I must do… nothing can or will stand in my way. Not even the raven-haired beauty with golden eyes who haunts my dreams.No one is innocent in the story of my life. Fairy tales don’t exist!I. Make. No. Excuses.Everyone needs to atone, and I’m the man who is going to see to it.
If you’re looking for gritty MC drama and angst, Atone certainly delivers.
In Robbins’ previous series we met David, and he returns in this standalone as a broken, dark and damaged hero hell bent on a passionate path of self destruction and revenge.
We meet our hero and his heroine Charlize, before they truly get their opportunity to realize their connection and ultimately tragedy tears them apart.
When he returns to fulfill his promise to his baby girl, they reconnect; but is their burgeoning love enough to pull David from his collision course with his own demons?
This story will pull your emotions from pillar to post such is the angst that follows this man in his quest for vengeance, interspersed with the counteracting chemistry between the tortured “Poet” and his feisty, determined Charlie; his “Light”.
For me, there were a lot of contradictions in both their narratives and the ping-ponging of thoughts had me frustrated at times. I felt like the author played with them and their emotions and commitment to one another a little too much.
Despite this, their ending is certainly warranted, given what they have endured and definitely worth the read for the MC Romance Lover, though only just reaching 4 stars for me.
Atone combines the perfect amount of darkness, raw passion, betrayal, love, and loss to make it one of my top reads from 2019! Cassandra Robbins is not playing on the fence with this MC series. She’s drawing us in with love that transcends time and tragedy, characters that both steal our hearts and break them in the next chapter, and damaged Heroes and the women that somehow find the strength to stand by them through the darkest of days. I fell in love with David in the first chapter, yearned for the happily ever after Charlie saw in his eyes each time she looked at him and struggled through the heartbreaking moments. These two had a chemistry that could melt the words right off the pages! With each book, this series gets better and better. I have not been this excited about a new series in a long time. I cannot wait to see the adventure the next book takes us on!
5 likes
This book tackles some really difficult issues and it does so in a way that is graceful and beautiful to read. It’s a difficult book at times because of the subject matter. The book tackles a parent surviving child mortality, depression and drug addiction. It is a rollercoaster of a read but it is one of those truly beautiful reads were the light in the characters shines through the darkness they experience. There is enough action in the plot to keep the pacing interesting while at the same time plenty enough time devoted to emotional consequences of the plot for the characters and the development of their personal stories to make it really easy to connect and stay invested in the characters. You really want things to work out for these characters from early on.
I loved the first book of this series and I didn’t expect to like the second so much but if anything I like it even more. As a reader it’s exciting to find such a new author writing such good fiction. I really cannot wait to see what they write next. I really recommend this book. It was excellent. A great gritty and emotional MC read.
Charlie and David’s story continues the tale about the Disciples MC and what had happened ten years previously. It is an exciting story from beginning to end.
Atone (transitive verb): to make amends : to provide or serve as reparation or compensation for something bad or unwelcome. Something that David believes he desperately needs to do.
At times I cringed with heartache at the pain David goes through, it felt so real, the descriptions so accurate and easy to visualise. He is such a tortured character but so hard on himself too. You can’t help but fall under his spell but I have to say though, he disappointed me slightly, even though I understood why and my heart felt heavy with his decision. Together with Charlie they are filled with red hot passion but it goes much deeper than the mere physical aspect.
Charlie is a wonderful character who has a strong backbone and is full of determination. I like strong heroines and she has the perfect balance between strength and compassion for others. She has a realistic look on life and that’s refreshing too. It was great meeting up with Blade and Eve and the other characters from book one again, well most of them!
I enjoyed the twists and turns in this fast paced story, it is such an easy book to read because of the solid storyline. It simply makes you want to devour it in one sitting. The ending is a different level of excitement and now all I want is book 3, Repent.
This story is so good! Cassandra knows how to write a story that draws you in and keeps you there until the end. David has had a terrible hand dealt to him in life but once he finally gives into his feelings for Charlie that changes for the better. This story has it all and the sex was I’m never disapointed when I read a book from Cassandra and cannot wait for the next book in the series! Once you enter the world of the Disciples you will get sucked into a great big family of bikers
Okay, David the Poet is my new favorite Disciple! Cassandra Robbins’ writing in Atone is MC done so right! David plays the brooding, dirty, beyond damaged hero perfectly. And Charlie with her sassy “never give-up” attitude is the perfect love interest to beat down David’s self-destructing, self-loathing ways. Their history only makes the struggle for some likeness of happy that much more captivating.
David’s guilt and pain, and the story behind it all are intense. He makes no apologies for his path to revenge and self-destruction, perhaps justifiably so. His heartbreak is devastating and raw. Charlie’s resilience is beautiful but at times painful to witness. She shines in her strength when she is just simply there for David. He’s just got to get through his inner demons to fight his way back to her light.
We get updates on some characters which I LOVE…and we get to meet some new faces! Don’t worry though, this book can still be read as a standalone! Atone is the best kind of MC romance, written so well—it has revenge and destruction, an enthralling gritty storyline, hot sexy times, and finally redemption. 5 stars for this fast-paced ride!
Heartbreakingly Beautiful!
WOW! One cannot always find the right words to describe how fantastic and amazing a story is and this story is way beyond amazing. From beginning to end I was utterly and fully captivated and enthralled by David’s story. The heartache and pain that this author describes, so powerfully, is intense and beyond mere words. Just be ready for one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride!
David’s story has everything you want in an MC story. There is intense action, suspense, intrigue and unbelievable emotion. Beautiful David is broken and cannot see beyond his pain and heartache. The only thing that seems to bring him out of his intense need to destroy himself is his light – Charlie. Charlie is a beautifully strong and determined woman, who has loved David since she was a teenager. Can her love for David break through his heartache in order to see the love that these two have for one another – read it to see! When David and Charlie are together it’s beautiful, powerful and intensely sexy. The steam between these two lit up my kindle and melted my panties!!! Trust me it’s explosive!
Cassandra Robbins is an unbelievable author, who knows how to weave a story that plays out in your head like a movie. Her characters are believable and realistic and you can’t help fall in love with each and everyone of them. This is another phenomenally well written story that will take you on an emotional journey – breaking your heart but piecing it back together slowly.
Bravo on another fantastic story. Highly Recommend.
Once again, Cassandra Delivers a stellar 5 star read! She continues through the world of the Devils MC Club with David and Charlie’s story. The Chemistry between the two from the very beginning is electric and intense! You know from the very beginning of the book that David and Charlie are meant to be together, but after tragedy strikes for David, and he becomes this cruel, cold shell of a man who feels he is undeserving of anything good in his life, you start to wonder if the characters really will get their happy ending. There was so much raw gut wrenching emotion and turmoil between the two characters, and pure unbridled love, that it makes the ending so worth it. Cassandra shows that no true love is easily won, but it is worth it in the end. EPIC story, and i cant wait to read the next book in this series. Amazing job! One of my top 5 reads of 2019!
A Must Read Intense and Emotional Journey! Charlize “Charlie” has had a crush on David “Poet” since he’s been going to her parent’s diner for years but he is off limits and one of the Disciples MC bikers. She was only seventeen back then and he had a lot of baggage…demons to deal with. Well, Nine years later he is back home and hoping to Atone for everything that has happened in his past. This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of loss, love, vengeance, forgiveness and redemption. “He might be damaged, but he is not ruined.” David broke my heart only to put it back together again! An Epic MC with Heart. Don’t worry there is also plenty of steaminess and action too! You might need a cool down! Told in dual POV. This is the second book in the Disciple MC series but can be read as a stand-alone.
This book has everything! .
Omg i can’t even think straight right now. I probably shouldn’t be even writing this review right now either my emotions are all over the place. But mama mia i thought Lethal was good but Atone was just up and up brilliant. The characters are strong and amazing the story was so good i kept wanting to read faster yet at the same time i didn’t want it to end.
The utter devastation of what David had gone through at such a young age all at the hands of a club brother had me screaming out loud . I straight up wanted to jump through this book a throat punch him my self.
The years of self abuse and self loathing took its toll on david but his love for Charlie stood the test of time even though he thought he was undeserving. Charlie loved David from the age of 17 that love never died , not realising she was deep down holding on to a dream when finally he came back into her life she loved him enough to help him slay his demons . The love and angst and drama these two went through nearly brought me to tears on numerous occasions. But honestly i don’t know if this book can be topped. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out. Five flaming stars from me. I freakin loved it.Cassandra Robbins
ATONE is the second instalment in Cassandra Robbins’ contemporary, adult THE DISCIPLES erotic, MC romance series focusing on the members of the Disciples MC. This is club historian David aka ‘Poet’ , and diner owner Charlize aka ‘Charlie’s’ story line. ATONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. David is Blade’s cousin.
WARNING: ATONE contains strong language and situations that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (David and Charlie) using present day and nine years in the past, ATONE follows nine years after David’s life imploded. Walking away from the Disciples was one of the hardest things David had to endure but his return came with a need for vengeance and retribution for the people he lost but David never expected to come face to face with former diner waitress Charlie, the woman he was with when his life went to h*ll. Battling between head and heart, David’s need for Charlie is something he cannot explain but his need for revenge overpowers the growing love for the woman that has stolen his heart. What ensues is the building relationship between David and Charlie, and the potential fall-out as David’s vengeance comes to fruition but with it another spiral out of control for our story line hero.
David lost everything he cared about nine years earlier, and with it he buried what as left of his heart. Having always focused on diner waitress turned owner Charlize gave David thoughts for a new direction in life but David believes he is unworthy of love, and refuses to pull Charlie into the lifestyle of the Disciples MC. Charlie struggled in the years that David went missing having never forgiven herself for what happened the last time they were together but the years only cemented David’s need for revenge, and Charlie’s love for a man who disappeared without a trace.
The relationship between David and Charlie is one of immediate attraction but David’s return following nine years away is met with both love and hate from his family, friends and the woman with whom he will fall in love. Refusing to accept that he is worthy of love, David continues to push away the woman he desperately craves to guide him through the dark. The $ex scenes are intimate, aggressive, powerful and erotic.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the introductory story line. We are introduced to Charlie’s mother, and her co-worker/best friend Cindy.
ATONE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; dysfunctional relationships; drug addiction, survival and falling in love. The premise is heart breaking and dark; the romance is provocative and edgy; the characters are broken, animated and desperate. ATONE end on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
Atone was ingenious and incredible. Cassandra Robbins has innate ability to create real raw emotion through her words. You will be hypnotized and become one with the character’s. You will feel every kiss to the soul searing touch that will you in orgasmic desire. In this story you will learn that second chances is only possible if you give your heart without reservation. Faith and trust can move mountains when you open your heart to new beginnings. Ms Robbins created a masterpiece writing this story. I am astounded by Cassandra’s brilliance. A million stars guaranteed.
This is the 2nd book in this awesome series. Poet has been on a journey of destruction and revenge after the death of his daughter. Charlie has always been his soulmate, but can he introduce her into the MC life? This is a well written flawless story which is filled with drama, danger, revenge, betrayal, and love which all lead to an intense and all-consuming tale which had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I cannot wait to read more in this fascinating series.
This is the second of the Disciples MC, and I would suggest reading book one just so that this flows properly and to not be confused as to the mentions of previous happenings. David/Poet’s life changed nine years ago when the death of his daughter and other family members sent him on a course for destruction and revenge. Having spent a good part of the nine years self-destructing, he is finally back, sober and ready to find out just who was behind the explosion. He never forgot his light, the one person that he felt would have truly been his soul mate. On a whim he stops by the diner her parents had once owned, and is surprised that she is there. But can a man that is so focused on revenge and self-loathing offer someone like Charlie anything good? Does he even dare to bring her into the MC life? If he was a better man he would stay far, far away, but he is not a better man, and so he won’t deny himself the pleasure of his light.
So I saw this, and realized it was the second in the series and of course I am that stickler for reading in order, so I had to get book one. I am so glad I took a chance on this series, it is fabulous!! This is one of those nitty gritty MC reads, not light and fluffy. Dealing in drama, danger, violence, drugs, betrayal, and some off the charts HOT naughty moments. I can not wait to see what comes next in this series, and I give Atone 5 stars.
Atone by Cassandra Robbins is one of those books that you binge read because it is so good, so heart-breaking and so sexy all at the same time. It is sort of a bittersweet story about two people David (Poet) and Charlie (Charlize) who are meant to be together, but the timing and circumstances are never quite right.
Tragedy has struck David’s life numerous times, leaving him in a dark well of despair and the only thing he can think about is revenge and his addictions: drug, alcohol, sex and Charlie. Charlie on the other hand is a strong-willed woman who knows what she wants, and that’s David, scars and all. Working in her family diner for most of her life and with a flaky mum and absent dad, all she wants is David and a normal life. Now David is back in town and to deal with some issues and it seems as though Charlie is in the mix of that too!
This story was amazingly written, it was heart-breaking to see what David had gone through and was still going through. It was also interesting to see the dynamics of the MC towards a guy who keeps flitting in and out of the life. Blade, David’s cousin has his back and sometimes you just want to scream and shout at David as he is very much blinkered to his revenge instead of looking at the people around him that he has and love him regardless of the addictions and cruelty he sometimes shows towards others. I also really liked Charlie as a character; she was strong and could overlook what many would see as negatives when it came to David and what having a relationship with him would entail. She was definitely obsessed with him but I think that only made their relationship stronger, although I do wish that she would have smacked him up in the head sometimes as he was very stubborn! There were definite moments of heartbreak in this novel and it is not for the faint hearted when reading as it can be quite graphic.
There were some really hot sexy scenes in this book which really fitted in with the characters and left you wiping your brow they were that hot!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable, page turning book for me and I’m excited to see where the next book goes and with which characters.
ARC received for a fair and honest review.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Oh my wow!! This book was angsty and delicious! I couldn’t put it down!! David and Charlie are one of my top 5 favorite couples!