☆NOW A TOP 40 AMAZON BESTSELLER☆I was a good girl. I ate my vegetables, volunteered at the local autism centre and sat in the front pew of church every Sunday.Then, I got cancer.What the hell kind of reward was that for a boring life well lived?I was a seventeen-year-old paradigm of virtue and I was tired of it. So, when I finally ran into the man I’d been writing to since he saved my life as a … to since he saved my life as a little girl and he offered to show me the dark side of life before I left it for good, I said yes.
Only, I didn’t know that Zeus Garro was the President of The Fallen MC and when you made a deal with a man who is worse than the devil, there was no going back…
This is Daddy Zeus Garro’s story from Lessons In Corruption. A standalone in The Fallen Men Series.
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First of all, Daddy Z and do I have to say more? But ok, I can tell you so much about this man, but the best is if you just experience himself and read the book. Zeus is a father, brother and friend to so many and he is the soul of the MC and you immediately feel part of this found family as well.
Lou is the daughter of the mayor and supposed to be a good girl. But she goes through so much and is attracted by a darker side. Sometimes the norms of society just can’t bring you happiness and rather cage you in and then it is just better to listen to your heart and do your own thing and that is what Lou does.
I just love the two and them being together. And Lou and Z wrote each other letters in the beginning and I adored this part so much and in general that is one of my favorite things in books when the characters communicate through letters. I also loved the contrast of light and dark and angel and monster that is used in this book. Overall, one of the best age gap stories ever. 4,5 stars.
I am so addicted to The Fallen Men.
Trigger warning; Guardian Forbidden Romance with a 19 year Age Gap.
I was more than ready for Daddy Zeus…! But I didn’t expect for his leading lady to only be 17. I usually love a good age gap but I will say that I did feel a bit uncomfortable at times. I do wish she was at least 19 years old but that’s just a personal opinion & I still devoured this book within 24 hours.
Zeus Garro. President of the Fallen Men MC in Entrance. And hero to Louise, daughter of the town mayor. Lou was only 7 years old when 26 year old Zeus saved her, in more ways than one.
Louise was bought up in a household where appearances were everything & loyalty was nothing. Being a daughter of the mayor, her parents were close to non existence. Her closest alley and best friend was her younger sister; Bea. But little did Bea know that Louise had another person in her court. The enemy of their father.
Lou likes to rebel away from her family & lives a secret life away from Bea & everything they know. She begins working at a strip club, where she runs into the hero of her heart; Zeus. Only she doesn’t look up to him like a guardian now, but as a lover.
Zeus pushes her away due to their age gap & the dangerous life he lives, but when Lou finally puts it all out there, Zeus can’t stay away any longer & they begin a secret affair. Even if Lou is the same age as his own daughter!
As the affair starts to become more known, this causes drama between an outsider Mexican MC gang & brings in dangerous actions right on to their doorstep. When Lou finds out her father is also involved, she is put in the firing line not only for being the mayors daughter but for also being Zeus’ girl. And with a rat in the Fallen Men MC, who can they trust to ensure Lou isn’t killed?!
I love the MC action & mystery. The love story was addictive but I did enjoy reading about the WHO IS THE SNITCH storyline. The ending was a firework & I was grateful for the 3 year time jump epilogue. I have jumped straight into the next book about Zeus’ daugther; Harleigh Rose.
4/5 stars with 4/5 steam.
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LouLou & Zeus
“Some princesses need dragons to protect them instead of Prince Charmings to save them.”
We first meet LouLou as a girl and she’s just got this outlook you can’t help but cling to. She goes through such tough situations that pull at your heart strings. As we grow with her she really comes into her own and you just c any help but be on her side and root for her through everything.
Zeus we met in the last Fallen Men book, since he is a kings dad. He is the leader of The Fallen MC and his power exudes off the pages. He’s fiercely loyal and has a heart of gold.
Their relationship is far from normal. While it is taboo, it is not predatory. I don’t want to give much away but will say Zeus thinks it’s wrong and acknowledges that several times, but Loulou doesn’t really give him a chance, she’s persistent. Also, where they are (as with several states in the US) she is legal age of consent.
Gianna however, made me cry! Multiple times too! She’s the second author to ever full out make tears fall from my face. She has a way with words and really making you feel connected not only to the character but the story and everything going on.
This was easily a 5 read for me. I might even go as far as calling this book the most emotional read I have in 2021.
“Welcome to The Dark Side”crushed my soul and made me cry like a baby a few times.
For once, I fell head over heels in love with a side character that I can not reveal in order not to give any spoilers. I felt every precious moment in my gut through reading Ms. Giana Darling’s words. It just ripped my heart I am telling you. People who’ve read it must know what I’m talking about. And that pinky swear and the piggybacking… Here I go crying again!
The world she created for The Fallen Men was so detailed, thorough and realistic that it kept this book apart from any of the MC books I have ever read, and I have read many.
And the Bonus Epilogue was awesome!!!
4.5 Stars
This book made me sob. My sister had cancer so there were certain parts that made me cry more. Like when all the men shaved their off for Lou it was something all the men in my family did for my sister and it just felt so real to me.
All I have to say is I am mad at Giana Darling how dare she kill off a certain character and make me sob so much no. Then his funeral scene when Zeus said those things about him I was not ok. Also now I am addicted to this series and my reading plans are screwed. I have to finish this series.
I was not in love with the story or the characters at the beginning of the book but as time went on I fell hard and fast. With them and the plot. I also loved seeing Cress and King together.
Daddy Zeus YAS PLEASE!
He is 19 years her senior, divorced, two kids and the MC prez. She is 17, the mayors daughter, and the preachers granddaughter.
They connected ten years prior when a bullet went straight thru Zeus and into Lou Lou. Lou was drawn to the man who protected her when her own father cowardly sought after his own safety.
Years later, Lou’s ‘obsession’ (term used lightly) with Zeus has continued to grow and Zeus is seeing Little Lou in a whole new light.
I loved this book. It’s taboo – yes. The met when Lou was 7 and Z was 26 but it was NEVER inappropriate nor was he ever grooming her. He cared for her in a platonic sense while she was a child – he knew her parents neglected her and was angry for her but was never inappropriate.
It’s taboo and ‘forbidden’ and hot as hell. Z’s protective attitude we saw in book one is nothing compared to this book and I loved it.
“Love you, little girl. Loved you for ten years and love you for ten decades more”
༄Welcome to The Dark Side was my very first book by Giana Darling and as well as the reason I fell in love with her writing style, characterization, and story.
༄if you’re looking for dark, edgy, and gritty motorcycle club romance, then you need to read this series!
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Would I recommend this book/series:
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: dark, trigger warning, motorcycle romance, and age gap.
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“He said something about God having different paths for everyone and then something about some princesses needing dragons to protect them instead of Prince Charming to save them.”
The first page of “Welcome to the Dark Side” left me curious and intrigued while the last page had me seconds away from tears. The forbidden and heart-warming MC story of 17-year-old Loulou Lafayette and 36-year-old Zeus Garro killed me. I have no other words besides that I absolutely adored this book!! This review as taken be forever to write because I cannot begin to explain all the reasons this book was phenomenal.
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Zeus was every inch the outlaw biker one would except. He was intimidating, ruthless, and extremely possessive. But the “soft” side that was shown with Loulou and his kids was precious. Whilst Loulou’s character took me by surprise. She was fierce and spirited while also being exceptionally levelheaded.
And their relationship has to be one of the healthiest I have ever read in an MC book. They never broke up, and were quite honest with each other throughout the entire book well besides when Loulou lied about her cancer. Although this did not change their relationship in any negative way in fact it made their relationship even stronger. And I have to point out one of my favorite moments in this book. The casualness in the “I love you” scene for me made their relationship so realistic and I loved it.
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Now I adored all of the side characters, but I have to say my favorite was Mute without a doubt. He was the absolute sweetest and his relationship with Loulou destroyed me! [ but what destroyed me more was his death. This scene had me in tears and the reason for me was so bittersweet. I hated that he died but him dying so he could protect Loulou was so in character that I could not be all that mad.]
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However, the scene that shattered me were the epilogues.
[ Loulou telling Zeus she was pregnant whilst visiting Mute’s grave hurt. But her saying she wanted to name them after Mute hurt so much worse. And then the bonus epilogue I believe made their story come full circle. They started out writing letters to each other then years later Zeus is writing a letter to their soon to be born children ]
Overall, this was a phenomenal book, and I would definitely recommend it
So sometimes I will come across a book that will shatter me. This is one of them. At first I was not sure what to think of this book but then it changed. You will met LouLou when she is a little girl and read about her growing up. You learn about all the things that she is dealing with in life at a young age. I mean it will bring you to tears. Then you have her monster Zeus who has been her guardian since she was young. He is the big bad biker that stole her heart and didn’t even know it. He just sees her as a little girl at the wrong place wrong time. However, she sees him as a life line and does everything she can to stay in contact. So at first you see them establish a friendship and build a bond. So when does this change. These particular stories to me can be hard to write but I can honestly say that this was tastefully written. You see both LouLou grow and now what she wants but at the same time she learns that her fate has been written long ago. The same for Zeus. Does it get hot and steamy, oh yes it does. Is there action? Yes again. Will you cry when you read this. Yes you will. Overall this is one of the best books I have read this year.
I don’t even know where to start with this review! I usually don’t enjoy reading MC romances, but the blurb and cover made me pick up the book, and I’m so happy I did. This book was fantastic!! First off, the writing was terrific in this book; I loved how all the sentences flowed together effortlessly, and the pace was perfect. Zeus and Lou Lou are just unforgettable characters; they will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. The book starts with Zeus and Lou Lou as pen pals and gradually progresses to adulthood. The side characters and the additional storyline (apart from the romance) will keep you hooked! So if you enjoy books with swoon-worthy heroes, a strong heroine, and all the feels, I highly recommend this book!
I never write very detailed reviews but I feel like this book needs it. This is the best book I have read in a long time. No other book has ever made me want to sob like this book did but I held back the tears because I knew if I cried I would be able to see the words anymore. I love the letter writing in this book and how such a big, bad biker could show true emotions. This book was crazy and unpredictable. Any book half as good as this one would still get five stars from me and I’m stingy with five stars so this must mean something for me to say I wish I could give this book 10/5 stars.
Decadent and delicious, I devoured this and the entire Fallen Men series!! A age gap/forbidden romance and so much more, Loulou and Zeus together are breathtaking.
Giana’s amazing writing is heart wrenching and sizzling, dark and edgy. I loved it!! What an incredible ride!!
What can I say about this book to give it the credit it is due. Its a rollercoaster ride of emotions from the start to the end. This love story starts young and grows in the heart of a neglected child for a man society says is wrong for her. This book will have you in tears of enjoy, sadness and complete and utter despair. I had so much hope for the lost character in this story and it gutted me to the core when the time came. This was a puzzle piece fitting together to see who was behind the scenes causing chaos for the fallen and some you would be surprised at. Amazing read, so worth the tears. On to book 3.
I would give this book 10 stars if I could! I loved this book so damn much. This story had me hooked in the dedication. I found this book as a suggestion from a reader book group and I’m so happy I found it. This story is taboo but so unbelievably beautiful. The storytelling and world building was phenomenal. I loved how diverse and complex the characters are. I love how raw and authentic the romance is in this book. I seriously couldn’t put it down. There were parts I cried like a baby, smiled like crazy and laughed with the characters. This book has a sexy, dynamic, loving, dark alpha male that you can’t help but fall into. The main female character is relatable, witty, strong, charismatic and so resilient. The story has action, romance, love, witty banter, loss, friendship,HEART, and it’s spicy AF. These characters will stay with me for a long time. This was also my first book with a neurodivergent character and I want to read more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all romance readers who want a story beautifully told about forbidden taboo love. I’m a forever fan
Love this MC series. Great age-gap romance. This book definitely had my heart pumping in all the best ways. excited to read more by this author.
Oh. My. God. Zeus. In Greek mythology, Zeus is considered the ruler, protector, and father of all gods and humans and is often depicted as an older man with a beard and represented the lightning bolt and the eagle. That’s you, Zeus Garro. I’m eternally in love with you.
Obviously, I loved the book. I forced myself to read it slowly cause it was such a pleasure reading this story I did NOT want it to end, hooked from page 1. And I’m not even into MC stuff. Age gap isn’t either my favorite trope. But the book, Oh my God, the book did it for me. Such a HUGE hangover now I can’t even collect myself to start reading a new book yet, my thoughts are flooded with lines and scenes of the book that don’t allow my mind to start focusing on another romance.
I’m not gonna go over the plot since you can read it from the many reviews here and the blurb itself, I just wanna share the feelings this book stirred. The book starts with a series of letters between Zeus (26) and Lou(7), and let me tell you, right off the bat, their connection to each other- and my connection as a reader with them- was IMMEDIATE. Their writing melts your heart. The intensity of their feelings for each other was spectacular, beautiful, smashing. It blew my mind. If you are considering reading this book, don’t pre-judge it with the idea their huge age gap is gonna be unacceptable, give the story a chance, the author manages to take you carefully through that evolution from pen pals at the beginning to finally being a couple despite all obstacles, and believe me, there are quite a few. It’s a story about finding your own family and being true to yourself and accepting who you are. It also deals with illness and death so a couple of trigger warnings there (that weren’t for me though).
These two truly are soul mates from the start. So, even if you don’t usually like biker, violent or taboo romance, this book may still be for you!!! You’ll find an overly protective, uber sexual, charismatic alpha hero that is also sensitive, sweet, confident, loyal, and ultra caring. You’ll meet a kick-ass heroine who knows exactly what she wants and knew damn well life was too short to wait around for it to come to her so she grabbed life by the horns and brought the future she wanted to herself. I loved her, her strength, and her undying love for Z. I loved them. They both loved deep and hard and would do anything to protect and love each other, IT CAN’T GET ANY SWOONIER!!
This book gave me all the feels, it definitely turned me on, and made me cry, and put the biggest smile on my face. Loved the epilogues, loved the last letter, genius and heart melting! This was my first book by Gina Darling and boy, did she deliver, 5 stars from me. This read made me so happy.
I am so impressed with Giana Darling! This is only the 2nd book of hers that I have read and I’m addicted to this MC series. I really felt for Loulou especially when her cancer came back. She was absolutely persistent and finally wore down Zeus. I liked the way that even though Zeus is president of the MC he still has a heart and loves his children. On to book 3!!! Can’t wait!!!
What a wild ride! Zeus and LouLou are everything you could want in an age gap and an MC book. You’re really getting the best of every world here. With a little angst and drama, this book rises above others to shine like the little blackened angel with a tarnished halo that it is. Head on over to the dark side things, you’ll find family, fun and friends waiting there.
THIS.BOOK.RIGHT.HERE.
I read Inked in Lies prior to this one.. and then I realized it was a part of a series and that this is Book #2. I read Lessons in Corruption first.
The relationship between Lou and Zeus is so unconventional and to someone else it might look wrong or make no sense. Based on the nature of the characters and the lives they lead, it makes sense to me.
It turns a lot of people off that it is a huge age gap… but I just didn’t read it as such.
The love between Lou and Zeus is epic. The two of them are a perfect match. I absolutely LOVE this book and this series and recommend it to everyone I know.
Damn…
I honestly never like book 2 in series as much as book 1 but I’m ecstatic to be proven wrong! Loved King and his Queen’s story of course but OMG Zeus and LouLou brought their own story to a whole new level! Sooo many feels were felt and the storylines just keep getting better. This just makes me more anxious to read book 3 when it comes out!