Take the ride of your life with the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club in this thrilling romance novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan. Torpedo Ink is Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s whole life. They’re his brothers, his family—his everything. But that doesn’t stop him from wanting something that only belongs to him. That’s why the tough biker has spent the last six weeks at … spent the last six weeks at the library, reading every book he can get his hands on and watching the prim and proper librarian who makes his blood rush.
For the past six weeks, Scarlet Foley has been fantasizing about the handsome, tattooed man whose eyes follow her every move. She senses he’s dangerous. She wants him to get close enough to touch. She wishes she could let him know the real woman, not the one she pretends to be. But Scarlet has a plan to carry out, and she can’t afford any distractions.
Absinthe is well aware that Scarlet is hiding something. She’s a puzzle he intends to solve, piece by intoxicating piece….
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Just when I think I know what the Torpedo Ink brothers and sisters went through, Christine Feehan, shows me how much more is in their pasts! This one was even more edgy and in ways grittier to me than Reaper’s story was. The themes is dark, the sex is more along the lines of more forbidden but the underlying love, sense of hope for the first time for Absinthe is there. His Scarlet is the one to calm his mind and no one has ever been able to do that for him. And she’s no weak woman either. She’s tough, smart and lethal as hell herself. I loved this book. Now I wondering about the Destroyer and how his story will unravel. He intrigues me and I want to know more. And let’s not forget Savage. When will we get his story? This series is a must read!
*3.5 stars*
Revenge like no other…
Another wild ride with Torpedo Ink! I liked Absinthe and Scarlet’s characters. Individually, they were strong and capable, with Scarlet even more so, being incredibly smart. Both could be single-minded in their focus, but didn’t hesitate to go off track if someone or something needed them. While the horrors that they suffered were completely opposite, the impact on them both was profound and drove their actions every day…
If this story didn’t hit all the marks for me, it’s more a reflection of my tastes than anything else. The story’s premise was intriguing and of course all the members of the entire Torpedo Ink family were back – which is always a treat. It was a fast pace, with huge questions answered along the way. Good triumphing over evil, in such inventive ways, always strikes the chord and that certainly did here…
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
**Thank you to NetGalley
Good but a little predictable if you have read any of the series. Way too much kinky sex for me.
Absinthe has the ability to “hear and feel” lies, he can also suggest things to you, make you do things subconsciously. A human lie detector.
Scarlet is a librarian, loves the job, helps the kids with their school work, and lives a quiet life.
After being almost attacked by her college boyfriend and his buddies, Scarlet tries to get the law to punish them. But the boyfriends father is powerful, and Scarlet’s world is torn apart. And now she’s in hiding.
But she’s not some shrinking violet, oh no, she’s out for revenge. And one by one, all those who failed both Scarlet and her family will pay.
Absinthe is fascinated with the library, well he loves to learn, but he’s more fascinated with the librarian. For six weeks he’s been coming to this library, reading and watching her. His body reacts without directions (not a normal thing for this biker) he’s almost certain she’s meant to be his. But he knows she’s hiding something or from someone, he just has to figure it out.
Scarlet is well aware of the hunk sitting in the library, reading and watching her, she watches him constantly. She’s drawn to him, but knows she can’t approach him, he’s dangerous but she’s not sure why.
This one had me both chuckling and wringing my hands.
We get more background on Absinthe and a few members of Torpedo Ink. As you maybe new to this series (I would urge you to read from the start of the series) Torpedo Ink MC (motorcycle club) is a biker club with a difference. All the members are from a school for assassins. But not everyone made it out alive! And it wasn’t voluntary, and it certainly wasn’t meant for children!
Taken from his home as a small child, Aleksei and his brother were beaten, tortured and abused on a daily basis. Along with hundreds of other children. Forming a group/pack their leader Viktor “Czar” honed each child into a killer (he couldn’t shield them, so he had to help them somehow) and now eighteen survivors ride and survive together.
There is a spark almost instantaneously. But both are wary, both are hiding things. Both have a dark past.
Now each torpedo ink member has a kink! Someone that is unique to them, and I can’t give away Absinthe’s (you’ll have to read it to find out) but it has me spitting my coffee out, and almost choking!!
Sex scenes are plentiful and inventive, but so is the action.
Torpedo Ink are hunters, they go after sex traffickers, pedophile rings and anyone who thinks themselves outside the law. We get to watch as they plan their attacks, and have a ringside seat as the action unfolds.
There is also a new character added to the gang of bikers. Can he be trusted?
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It does state there could be triggers for people who’ve suffered or could suffer after reading.
But the subject is treated with respect.
I love this series and the author. The pages come alive with the descriptions. All the characters are well known, and any titbit is welcome.
Looking forward to the next book.
I was so excited for Absinthe’s book and when the first chapter began with the scene at the library I knew his story was going to be good!
Things I really enjoyed about this book:
– Chapter 19!! *chef’s kiss* That chapter was perfection. The way she wrote the different POVs in that chapter – I love getting to really experience the “finale” of the revenge.
– Christine wrote a really strong female heroine in this book and the way she overcame the tragedy of her past was epic. (I don’t want to give anything away but she’s pretty much a badass!)
– Scarlett was the perfect match for Absinthe. He takes on a lot of emotions and with his gifts I was curious to see the type of person he would be matched with. She calms him and helps relieve that tension for him. Plus the gift she gave him in the end of the book was the icing on the cake.
The only part that I really hesitated on was the kink that Absinthe enjoyed. It was one I had never read before and to me, it came out of no where. I don’t remember getting a hint of what he would like in the other books like we have with some of the side characters. If there was I missed it. I actually had to put down the book and come back later when I was in the right headspace. Instead of getting a taste periodically of what he likes, it was this one chunk in the middle of the book that I felt like went on forever. I thought it would have been better to space it out some but I guess since it’s a pretty complex kink to explain she felt it was best to do it all at once.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more about the Torpedo Ink crew.
I love reading books by Christine Feehan. Her characters always have such great depth and diversity; and her stories captivate my mind and imagination. You will love this book!!
I was very disappointed in this book. The author seems to be doing more erotic romance than real story lines. Her earlier books had much more of a plot and story to them.
Absinthe and Scarlet
Loved it! For me this book really shows how the TI members struggle every day not only by what was done to them but also by the guilt they feel over the things they were made to do by their abusers and the things they had to do in order to survive. I think we always see the PTSD they struggle with while not necessarily realizing how much guilt they carry and how that affects them as well. I thought it was awesome how Scarlet was willing to help Absinthe overcome some of his trauma (not just put it to the side) and that she also wants to help the others Savage especially. She’s going to be a great addition to the club
Christine Feehan’s DESOLATION ROAD is book 4 of the Torpedo Ink series. Readers beware. There are explicit sexual scenes. The Torpedo Ink is a heart wrenching yet inspiring series about a unique motorcycle club whose members share a horrific past together. Christine Feehan gives reader an in-depth look into the members that explain why they are the way they are, and why they are so focused on bringing down the pedophile human trafficking ring. They know they are damaged good, and each struggle to clamp down the demons of their pasts. Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s relationship with Scarlet Foley is intense, but Scarlet is no shrinking violet. She is highly intelligent and strong-minded. She is survivor of her own hellish past and deeply in love with Absinthe. DESOLATION ROAD is a dark and edgy romance that keeps this reader on the edge of her seat.
I loved Desolation Road! This series is truly addicting. Scarlett is a very strong character and well suited to Absinthe. And learning more about Absinthe, Steele and Savage was helpful in building the story forward and understanding the past.
Choice is a must and seeing how Scarlett made her own choices but was not humiliated, a complete partner to Absinthe made the story even better. The characters are so interconnected. They hurt together, the work together, the solve problems together. And hopefully as the series continues they will continue to find their anchor and heal together.
Desolation Road is the fourth book to Christine Feehan’s Torpedo Ink series. This series happened to be the first book I read from Christine Feehan. Now I’ve dived into other series she has written, and I’ve found she likes to write alpha males and sometimes damsel in distresses in her books. Although she changed it up in this book a bit, she wrote a kick-butt heroine who didn’t need saving. I love kick-butt heroines in stories, so I was looking forward to reading this book.
Female Protagonist: Scarlet Foley is the main heroine in the story, and she doesn’t need anyone looking out for her, especially after what happened to her in the past. She’s had her revenge for the people that have made her life horrible since she was younger. She lost her family because of those awful people. Now there’s a bounty out on her due to what she has done to those people that thought they could getaway. She’s not a timid character, so be prepared for a heroine fighting back, and she does it very well. She was trained by the best after what she went through. She deserved revenge. She never expected to find someone like Absinthe, but she does when he walks into her library. I enjoyed her character.
Male Protagonist: I’ve been fascinated with Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov since he was first introduced in the series. You shouldn’t let him touch you, and you definitely shouldn’t listen to his voice because he can influence you. He’s dangerous, but he was made that way. He has a horrible past that readers will find out more about in this book. I felt for his character after finding out more about him. Although he has some strange way of showing affection and love in this book, each person is different.
Storyline: I’ll try to keep this short and sweet since I don’t want to give anything away. The fourth book involves Absinthe finding the one person that he can love, and she happens to work at a library. Scarlet, though is not a sweet young, innocent woman. She has skeletons in her closet, but that’s due to her past. She has every right to be wary of people. She never expected to find someone like Absinthe, and now he has let Torpedo Ink members know about her, and they will protect her at any cost. There will be some severe dark and twisted issues in this book in regards to Absinthe’s past and even Savage’s history. There’s also some bizarre kink play in this book that involves ‘kitty play.’ It’s different from the other couples that have received their books already, but readers will find out why Absinthe has that kind of play over others. Christine tended to write chapters of kink play that I skimmed over a lot. I wanted to find out if Scarlett would ever get her full revenge in the story. (Not telling what happens, so you’ll have to read the book.)
Steaminess: There is some very steamy and very strange kinkiness.
Standalone or Series: Series. I would recommend reading in order.
HEA: Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Overall, this book receives 3.5-stars from me. I’ve yet to have a favorite from this series, but I won’t give up. I’m determined to find out who wins over Savage and all the other Torpedo Ink members. They all deserve a HEA after everything they went through.
There was a slight issue of the author being repetitive in the story, which drove me crazy. She went over things that she had already gone over with the characters. It was a constant reminder, which is not needed. I wanted to get to the right parts. I also felt that the ending of the book was rushed a bit. I needed some more action. I felt there were a lot of moments between Absinthe and Scarlet in the book, but they didn’t connect well as a couple. I needed more and not just the kinky play. This book may not have gotten a high rating for me, but doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend it to readers that enjoy PNR and suspense. If you also are a fan of MC books, then this series is for you.
There was only one aspect of this book that just wasn’t for me. Otherwise, I absolutely loved it. This author never disappoints and Absinthe and Scarlet’s story is just more proof of that.
Aleksei Solokov aka Absinthe loved books. He’d found a library and been going for weeks without telling anyone. Not even wearing his colors. The library gave him peace and quiet, a much needed respite from the continual bombardment of other people’s thoughts and emotions. But that isn’t the only attraction.
Scarlet Foley, has noticed the tall, gorgeous man covered in tattoos and wondered about him. She is hesitant but accepts when he invites her to dinner one night. That dinner sets the tone for what is to come for Scarlet and Absinthe.
In the meantime, Torpedo Ink has been asked by the Diamondbacks to help with a “small problem”. Another club has been encroaching on their territory and they want Torpedo Ink to take care of the problem. Consensus is that the Diamondbacks are trying to set them up so they will need to come up with a way to handle things without revealing how they do it.
So back to the meat of the story, Scarlet and Absinthe. As with previous books we learn more about what happened to each member. I’m not going into detail about what Absinthe reveals to Scarlet except to say that it is very heartbreaking and a bit unusual and may not be to everyone’s taste. Scarlet’s revelation of her past is heartbreaking in its own way. After a rocky start, they do eventually come to agreement on how to handle their relationship so both are happy.
The Club successfully completes their job for the Diamondbacks but it does lead to possible future problems. I think watching how the Torpedo Ink members learn to incorporate themselves into the community around them is one of the more enjoyable aspects of these stories. How each member finds their other half and works things out between them is also one of main draws for me. Icing on the cake is the interaction with other Clubs.
I do highly recommend Desolation Road by Christine Feehan for those who are enjoying the series. However, there are sexual aspects that not everyone will be able to accept. I still say it is a very good book and adds greatly to the overall story of the Torpedo Ink Motorcycle Club.
3.5 stars
Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s whole life revolves around his brothers and sisters of Torpedo Ink. They have lived through some of the worst things imaginable and are now trying to make a new life for themselves in a world they don’t fit into. Absinthe has spent the last six weeks at the library reading and watching the beautiful librarian he can’t stop thinking about. He knows she is in danger from something and he plans on stopping whatever it is.
This series is always intense and difficult because it revolves around victims of human trafficking and pedophilia. That said, I still enjoy this series because it shows people who have been fucked up by life finding someone who accepts their flaws.
Absinthe is able to coerce people with his voice and always has to be careful he doesn’t unintentionally plant a suggestion. He also has the ability to help his brothers and sisters with their traumas and make the psychological pain ease up. He has quite fascinating abilities and I can’t wait to see if he can help the others more in the future.. I also loved that he was a book nerd. I totally understand the drive to read to escape your life for a little bit.
“You’re my perfect ledi. You don’t have to be perfect for anyone else. Just me. You fit with me, Scarlet.”
Scarlet was a badass woman who is also submissive. I loved this because I feel I rarely find this in romances. Scarlet has had a traumatic past and that has forced her to seek out the best teachers to be deadly. She turned herself into an assassin to get her revenge because the justice system was corrupt. She was dangerous but she was also willing to do anything Absinthe needed, including kitten play. I think Scarlet was probably my favorite part of this book.
Overall, this was another emotional, intense, and great addition to the series. I am really interested in seeing how this series plays out especially with Savage and Destroyer because they are the two that seemed to be the most damaged.
Reader Warning:
Human Trafficking – victims and discussed
Rape – victims and discussed
Pedophilia – victims and discussed
Torture – flashbacks and discussions
Murder
Public Sex – on page
Deliciously Twisted
This was one dark, twisted and sexy read and if you can’t handle some crazy s*x play don’t even start because this book is so much more than that. Absinthe was a member of Torpedo Ink who took upon himself to allow his brothers and sisters a little peace of mind at times. He also needed a getaway in order to soothe his own demons and he found that at a library. Only this one time it was the librarian who was able to distract him and bring about feelings and emotions he could only dream of after everything that he had been through as a child.
Scarlet was on her own mission but when she seen the devilishly hot tattooed man actually reading the books her plan was sidetracked if only while he was involved. She also had her demons she was fighting after going through a horrific event in her past that left her making plans for years as revenge.
Absinthe and Scarlet had an extremely special connection not only in their hearts but in their minds as well. It was also another addition for the men and women of Torpedo Ink that brought about immense feelings that had me turning page after page to see if anyone could ever get, not over their pasts but through life as they now have. I have loved every book from this series and always looked forward as to what this author has in store for us next. I highly recommend this series and this book!!
I’ve always loved a story about people who rise above their pasts. Who become strong and face their demons and end up kicking ass and taking names, which is why I’ve continued on with this series, despite the violent flashback scenes where almost every trigger I can imagine is described.
All that to say, this book has triggers and if you have issues with those, steer clear. There are flashback scenes where violent things done to children are described in detail, not something I could ever say makes an enjoyable read. A riveting, heartbreaking, soul crushing one at times, yes. Enjoyable, no.
But, again, this series is about a group of men and women who have an unshakable connection with each other as they learn to navigate this world and do their best to make it better despite their terrible childhoods. And that’s what has kept me reading on.
She had been dead. She’d chosen to be dead. She’d shoved the woman in her aside out of necessity and become what she had to be. Now she was simply surviving. Until he walked in.
Desolation Road is Absinthe’s story and the woman who happens to soothe his soul has a violent past of her own with lots of secrets. Some that even crisscross his own. One of the things I loved about Desolation Road is the connection between Absinthe and Scarlet. It’s an almost tangible thing you can feel and believe in.
Needless to say, their chemistry was off the charts. And that first sex scene was hot, sexy, exceedingly well done and it catapulted the story forward. Just how I like them. But then we get introduced to Absinthe’s brand of kink which did absolutely nothing for me. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, just not my thing. Unfortunately, a huge chunk of the story was focused on it which proved a major distraction for me.
It’s good that the action in the story was able to get me mostly past his proclivities. When threatened, the Torpedo Ink crew are like a well oiled machine and they are so skilled the outcome is never in question. I freaking adore how this group always has each other’s backs and how they watch out for each other.
Here though, there were a few things that had me tilting my head and thinking this could all have been solved with a well placed bullet long before it got to the point it did. But then again, if she had done that, the Torpedo Ink crew wouldn’t have had anything to do to save her. Shrug.
So here’s my dilemma. Desolation Road was action packed but not necessarily suspenseful. It kept me turning the pages but it’s not a book you can really claim to like or enjoy because of the constant play by play of some seriously effed up situations. It’s a decent book in a good series. But I may have hit my limit with the horrid, detailed flashbacks. Sigh. What a conundrum.
3.5 It was good but… Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Hauntingly beautiful, super steamy
Desolation Road is the 4th book in the Torpedo Ink Series by Christine Feehan. The series follows the lives of 18 survivors of an assassin training school in Russia which was run by political enemies of their families and pedophiles. Tortured and abused most of their lives they banded together. They developed the skills of their training and special psychic gifts. They sought revenge on those who made their lives hell. Out in the world they know the best way to survive is to stay the solid family they became living the code they created, as a motorcycle club. Keeping their skills sharp they aid other clubs resolve threats and hunting and delivering their type of justice to anyone that abuses children and women as they had been.
Like each book in the series, this book blew me away. We follow the journey of Absinthe, who acts as the club’s lawyer. His skills allow him to see others’ memories, know if they speak the truth and can influence their minds to follow his direction. They are relied on heavily by the club and by him. One of the codes they follow is not to use their psychic skills to influence family. But rules can be broken and it broke my heart to see Absinthe trying to cope with what might be the fall out from his abilities used by his desire to spare his brothers and sisters, to help them survive. He does his best to bury and not face the guilt he carries and the loss he suffered. His skills have not only his demons but the demons of his family screaming at him. His past made him someone he felt would never find a future, his life was meant to be desolate. His respite was found in books. In the quiet isolation of libraries.
It is in one such library he finds Scarlet, the one who wakens his body and his mind. She is as intelligent and as gifted as him. Maybe just as lethal. The trauma of her past has her seeking justice of her own, thinking these acts are all her life is about, there is no future, only desolation, as long as it hangs over her. But he makes her want one. She has her secrets giving him a puzzle to solve. Their relationship grows over conversation and exchange of ideas. Time spent together is romantically and erotically balanced. Her honesty, A strong woman who knows what she wants and what she needs from him. What’s even more thrilling and confounding for him, because of her own gifts, all they share is of her own free will. His intelligent mind and the way he was used by the pedophiles has him craving a very creative sexual outlet. Scarlet’s needs for sexual satisfaction fits perfectly with him, allows her to chose to follow his desire to meet her own.
Both of them offer each other Redemption, Acceptance and Belonging when they thought it would never be part of their lives. All they have to do is face their demons, share their hell with each other. And when Absinthe disappears into his mind, she realizes he hasn’t been open. She goes through an extremely scary and triggering experience of her own just to help him. But she’s done going further until he shares with her. She’s not afraid to lay it out and insist that if they are going to be partners in the bedroom they had to have trust and a partnership in all parts of life. She willingly shared it all with him it’s only fair he open up and face his own demons, his guilt, no longer keeping it buried but reveal it to her and what the triggers in his life are. Waiting on the other side of that is her love and acceptance, her understanding and possible resolutions.
Absinthe’s revelations, what he carries from his childhood, are horrifying and heart breaking, and it’s a relief to see him find some closure and possibilities thanks to Scarlet and he returns that trust and support helping her defeat her own. Of course helping them reach the point of believing they deserve a future together are the fellow members of Torpedo Ink. With heart breaking revelations, Action and justice delivered as only their talents can, teasing humor the plot moves forward and explosive information whispering threats coming for them. Christine Feehan masterfully shares this story, brings all emotions into play, has you on the edge of your seat wondering what’s next for the members of Torpedo Ink
Torpedo Ink’s being attacked from all sides.
Aleksei “Absinthe” Solkov finds all he needs emotionally, and physically, from Scarlet Foley. They’re kindred spirits. But, there’s more to Scarlet than the facade of the mild manner, easy going Librarian. She’s actually been trained as an assassin, and has psych abilities. Scarlet’s out to avenge the deaths of her family. She’s being hunted, and a bounty’s been placed on her head. Eventually Torpedo Ink finds out that they have mutual enemies. The GHOST club remains in the background inciting, and financing the Venomous MCC to move into the Diamondback territory. The Diamondback Prez, Plank fears the Torpedo Ink MCC, and decides to set them up to take a fall, by having them destroy a Strip Club own by the Venomous Club. As more, and more information is revealed the Torpedo Ink club realize “The Russian” may be financing everything to continue the human, and sex trafficking business. Could “The Russian” be an instructor from Sorbacov’s school or possibly a older student that escaped? We’re also introduced to another club member that escaped the school. He’s Rurik “Destroyer” Volkov. I’m really looking forward to seeing his continued character development in future books. Alena has issued, and is very anger with him. We get an update on Savage, and info’s revealed about why he has sadist tendencies. I have high hopes for him, and that eventually he’ll find peace, and a HEA.
We get an update on Viktor, and Blythe’s growing family, and visits from some of the SOTH women. As usual our Torpedo Ink boys always mess up getting to know their women, and Absinthe’s no exception. Scarlet’s on board with Absinthe’s “kink”, but he falls short in other areas. I have to say there are several very funny moments with the brothers, and their nonchalant, and intrusive ways. Don’t bother with a “Do Not Disturb” sign, because it means nothing to them. The Torpedo Ink saga continues in RECKLESS ROAD (Player). The release date is February 9, 2021.
Desolation Road by Christine Feehan is book 4 in the Torpedo Ink Series. This is the story of Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov and Scarlet Foley. I have read the previous books (loved them!) which did add to my enjoyment of this one. There are past characters with an ongoing back story but with all that said, you could make it a standalone book if you wish to do so. Absinthe along with his other MC group had a awful childhood (really bad!) where they were trained to kill and seduce. So they ended up using those tools to free themselves and formed the Torpedo Ink MC. They are all close of course but they each have issue letting someone in or experiencing the new feelings that person brings. For Absinthe he likes to go a library to get peace sometimes. This has him encountering Scarlet who he starts going to the library to sit and watch her. Scarlet too in drawn to watching Absinthe but neither acts on the attraction they share. Scarlet for one thing in on the run from her dangerous past that keeps finding her but soon neither can walk away without taking their attraction further. This author is one of my favorite writers. I always know that I will be getting a great story that will have me drawn into the book and the characters. Loved it and I plan on reading more from this author.