A simple rescue mission ends in death…
The mission was simple—get in, rescue Caleb, and get out. But things go horribly wrong when the team is ambushed. Now, Caleb’s dead, several team members are injured, and no one knows what the hell happened. And now, Harland Carter needs to go home and tell his parents and sister that Caleb is never coming home.

She blames them…
Cassandra “Cassie” Carter blames her older brother, Harland, and their lifelong best friend, Steven Graham for not saving Caleb. Now, she’s left in a pit of grief that she’s not sure she’ll ever crawl out of. To make matters worse, Harland and Steven have the ridiculous idea to start a motorcycle club in Caleb’s honor.

The Savage Bloods are born…
Terrified of what this club means for her brother—and Steven, the man she’s secretly loved for years—Cassie begs them not to go through with creating the club. But they have their minds made up, and there’s nothing she can do to stop them. The Savage Bloods Motorcycle Club is born, and with it, Cassie loses everything and everyone she’s ever cared about.

Savage Bloods MC: The Music Behind the Men
by
Ember Sparks

I’m one of those authors that needs music to write. A good beat and catchy lyrics really help set the mood of whatever scene I’m writing. And when I can’t be in front of my computer writing, just listening to certain songs help get my creative juices flowing so when I do get back to my computer, I’m full of new ideas!

Writing The Savage Bloods MC series was no different, and I have a lot of great songs on my playlist—and now I’m going to share them with you and give you a peek at what and who the songs represent in the book. Not all songs have great significance and are more feel-good to get my blood pumping. 

1. “Animal I Have Become” by Three Days Grace – This is just a feel-good song that gets me in the mood to write. It’s also a bit indicative of Steven “Slade” Graham when he’s in prison.
2. “Click Click Boom” by Saliva
3. “Cheap Thrills” by Sia, featuring Sean Paul
4. “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
5. “Coming Undone” by Korn
6. “Crazy Bitch” by Buckcherry – This song pertains to both Cassie and Mandi, but probably Mandi more so. She’s very mucha clingy, stalker, will do anything to get the man type of gal.
7. “Down with the Sickness” by Disturbed
8. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
9. “Everywhere I Go” by Hollywood Undead – This is just a fun song that makes me smile, and I can’t help but sing along.
10. “Freak on a Leash” by Korn
11. “In My Room” by Insane Clown Posse – The beat in this song is crazy good and catchy, even though the lyrics are highly disturbing.
12. “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine – I had this on repeat while writing the fighting and suspense scenes.
13. “Ladies and Gentlemen” by Saliva
14. “Lips of an Angel” by Hinder – This song really sets the mood and tone for a sexy scene between Cassie and Slade near the end of the book.
15. “Loser” by Beck
16. “Porn Star Dancing” by My Darkest Days – If this isn’t a great club song, then nothing is!
17. “Remedy” by Seether
18. “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mud – This is Cassie’s anthem toward Slade and the Savage Bloods MC.
19. “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeath
20. “VooDoo” by Godsmack
21. “Burn It to the Ground” by Nickelback
22. “Whore” by In This Moment
23. “Animals” by Nickelback
24. “For You” by Staind
25. “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi
26. “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage The Elephant
27. “Friend of the Devil” by Adam Jensen
28. “My Blood” by Twenty one Pilots – This encompasses the core of the love and commitment among the club and its members.
29. “Nothing’s Gonna Slow Me Down” by CRMNL
30. “Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven
31. “WTF Do I Know” by Miley Cyrus – When writing Slade, I always had this song in the back of my mind, because most of the time, he really does wonder what the fuck he knows. Haha.
32. “Faithless” by Black Veil Brides
33. “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner
34. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard
35. “Cherry Pie” by Warrant
36. “Don’t Blame Me” by Taylor Swift – This is officially Slade and Cassie’s song. Their love for each other makes them both crazy.
37. “Take Me to Church” by Hozier – When the club has meetings, it’s often called “church” and so naturally, this song had to be on my playlist.
38. “Like U” by Rosenfeld
39. “Nightmare” by Avenged Sevenfold

So, there you have it – the music that inspired The Savage Bloods MC and the complicated relationships within the club. 

What other songs should I add to this list?

GO TO HELL!
by
Ember Sparks

Have you ever been to Hell? I have and let me tell you… it’s not nearly as hot as you’d think. Though, it’s definitely a Hell of a lot more fun than you’d imagine. 

But the road to Hell, much like all roads in Michigan, leave a lot to be desired.

Hell, Michigan is a real place located in Livingston County. Hell became a real town in 1841, though calling this place a “town” is being generous. In 2022, the total population was only 72. Yes, only 72. As in, less than 100 people. 

The town itself consists of three buildings: a BBQ joint, a biker bar, and a gift shop that also houses a community library, an ice cream shop, the post office, and a mini-golf course out back. 

When I first had the idea for The Savage Bloods MC, I knew I wanted a small-town setting, and originally, I was going to create a fictional town, but then I took a drive to Hell, and well… I fell in love with it. 

I knew I needed to set my story here, but I had to take some creative liberties to make things work the way I needed, so while this is set in Hell, MI, you’ll see that not everything included is fact—mostly, I added new places that don’t truly exist. 

If you ever get the chance to visit Hell, I suggest you do. It’s a charming little town that’ll offer lots of fun and laugh. 

Did you know…?
You can be Mayor of Hell for a day or even just an hour? If that much political power scares you, though, you can nominate your pet to be Mayor instead. Or any inanimate object for that matter. No, I’m really not kidding.

Did you also know…?
That for the low price of only $66.66 and just a few minutes of your time, you can get a degree from Hell’s very own Damnation University?? You can choose from 56 different degrees. My personal favorite is the Bachelors of Romanceology from the School of Literature.

Strap in folks – we’re going to Hell!

My Top 5 Motorcycle Club Romance Authors
by
Ember Sparks

Motorcycle club romance novels revolve around the thrilling world of bad boys, brotherhood, and steamy love affairs set against the backdrop of the open road. These stories often blend danger, passion, and loyalty in a way that keeps readers flipping the pages. Before I ever wrote my first MC romance, I read a LOT of them by some fantastic authors. So, here’s a list of my top 5 MC romance authors and what I love about their books. 

1. Christine Feehan Her Torpedo Ink Series is hands-down my favorite MC series of all time. The rich and heartbreaking backstories of the brothers brought tears to my eyes at times. And the unwavering sense of brotherhood and family within the club is top notch. She makes you feel everything the characters feel.

2. Julie Ann Walker She was the first MC romance author I ever read, though at the time, MC wasn’t really a thing nor was it as popular as it is nowadays. Her Black Knight Inc., Series blends the MC and military worlds seamlessly. And the humor she infuses into her characters is amazing. I laugh a lot when reading her heroes thoughts.

3. Joanna Wylde I’ll admit, it’s been a while since I’ve read a Joanna Wylde book, but the Reapers Motorcycle Club is iconic. It’s the MC romance’s version of fantasy’s Lord of the Rings. Her writing is gritty and real, and the authenticity with which she portrays motorcycle club culture is unmatched. Seriously, this series is a masterclass for anyone wanting to delve into the world of MC romance.

4. Courtney Lynn Rose Her most popular MC is the Emerald Isle Series, and what I love about this is that it’s straight to the point. There’s not a lot of fluff, and she’s not afraid to take risks. And the steamy scenes are scorching hot! She’s a fellow Indie author, too, and that’s really cool.

5. Kristen Ashley Best known for her Chaos Series and the Dream Man Series, Kristen Ashley is a masterful storyteller. Her plots never fail to blow my mind. The complexity… I have no idea how she does it. Lol.I also really love how alpha male her heroes are. The “touch her and die” is like a drug for me.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the genre, these authors are sure to take you on a wild ride you won’t soon forget. Now tell me, who is on your list? Who are your must read MC authors?

Revving Up Romance: Tips for Writing a Motorcycle Club Romance
by
Ember Sparks

Motorcycle club romance, or MC romance for short, is a subgenre of romance, and more specifically the romantic suspense genre. These stories revolve around the captivating world of motorcycle clubs, where brotherhood, loyalty, and love intersect in exhilarating ways, often combining passion with danger and the thrill of the open road. But how does one write a compelling MC romance? I’m glad you asked…

1. Capture the Spirit of Brotherhood: At the heart of motorcycle club romances lies the strong bond of brotherhood among club members. Whether they’re bound by a code of honor or united by a shared history, portraying the camaraderie and loyalty within the club adds depth to the story and your characters. In Savage Bloods MC, the club was formed in honor of a fallen friend, and the members all share that loss—along with a history of military experience. They were a team long before they became an MC. 
2. Infuse Authenticity into Setting: The setting plays a pivotal role in motorcycle club romances, as it sets the stage for the gritty, adrenaline-fueled world of bikers. Whether it’s a rundown clubhouse nestled in the outskirts of town or the winding highways of the open road, immersing readers in the details of the motorcycle club culture will enhance the story. Savage Bloods MC is set in Hell, Michigan. Though I did take some creative liberties, the town is real, and I can visit for inspiration, which I think really helps bring the series to life.
3. Balance Action and Romance: Motorcycle club romances offer the perfect blend of high-octane action and sizzling romance, so it’s super important to find a good balance between heart-pounding motorcycle chases, intense confrontations, and steamy love scenes. The juxtaposition of danger and desire adds tension to the story and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Plus, the action scenes are a great tool to deepen the relationships between your characters. For example, in Savage Passion, Cassie is followed and ends up having a car accident. This leads to the revelation that she’s in danger and needs protection. Without this moment of action, the story and the romance wouldn’t progress like it needs to. 
4. Explore Themes of Redemption and Healing: Beneath the rugged and hard exterior of motorcycle club members is a myriad of emotions. Most of the brothers have a dark past and/or trauma that they haven’t dealt with fully. Delving into these emotions and allowing the characters to face them makes the story that much stronger. Not to mention, the character will grow as a person. In Savage Passion, Slade is still coming to terms with a recent prison term for an accidental crime, and he’s trying to make amends with Cassie for the way he’d hurt her in the past. Plus, he’s still carrying a lot of grief and guilt for his lost friend. 
5. End on a Hopeful Note: While motorcycle club romances can be gritty and intense, they are ultimately a romance, and the number one “rule” of romance is to end on a happy note. Be sure to leave your readers with a sense of fulfillment and the belief that love conquers all, even in the most unlikely of places.

While these are all tips for writing an MC romance, these are also reasons why readers love this genre. What other reasons do you have for reading MC? 

Excerpt 1
Cassie…

Leaning against the bar is a man. A very sexy, very muscular, very dangerous looking man. Dark, shoulder length hair. Icy blue eyes. Jeans with a bulging crotch. Black T-shirt that stretches deliciously across his shoulders and chest. My heart races at the sight of him, but more so because he’s staring right at me.

But then I notice he’s also wearing a goddman kutte covered with the Savage Bloods insignia. Because of course he’s part of the club. A beer bottle is pinched between his fingers, and he’s standing there like he owns this place. Cocky arrogance radiates off him, and he clearly owns that. He’s 100 percent pure male. Pure trouble. And one million percent not my type of guy.

Yet, I can’t seem to stop staring at him. He’s everything Ryan isn’t, and that excites me in a way I don’t like. I don’t look away, and neither does he. There’s something familiar about him, though, and I narrow my eyes, studying him. Do I know him? That wouldn’t be so far-fetched considering I’ve met everyone in the Savage Bloods at least once before. Still, something nags at the back of my mind.

“He’s staring at you,” Becca shouts over the music, jerking me from my thoughts. “You should go talk to him.”

“No.” I shake my head.

Turning away from his heated stare, I focus on dancing with Becca, but I can feel his gaze on me, feel the way he’s undressing me with his eyes, devouring me.

Maybe Becca’s right. Maybe I need to take the plunge and go talk to him. Doing so will certainly get my mind off Ryan. But damn… I’m not sure I can handle a guy like that. He’s so hard and rough and a tad scary. Not to mention, he’s part of the club, and I swore never to get involved with that life. Just because I’m nursing a broken heart doesn’t mean I need to go catch a raging case of the stupids.

And that man could make any woman stupid.

Excerpt 2
Slade…

“Harland… what’s going on?” Cassie asks. “You’re scaring me. Where’s Caleb?”

“Yeah,” his father says. “You did just get home from a rescue mission, right?”

Slowly, almost as if he’s being tortured, Harland lifts his head. “Yes, and we failed.” His voice catches, but he doesn’t stop. “I’m so sorry. Caleb’s dead.”

His mother gasps, and his father wraps his arm around her shoulders, turning her against him. She sobs. 

“You’re lying.” Cassie stands, her hands balled into fists by her sides. “He’s not dead. He’s not.” She shakes her head.

Harland pushes to his feet and takes a step toward Cassie. She shakes her head even harder and holds up her hand to stop him. He freezes. 

“I’m sorry, Cassie. I swear to you, I did everything in my power to save him.” The sheen of tears glistens in Harland’s eyes. 

“No. He can’t be dead.” Cassie’s bottom lip trembles, and tears spill down her cheeks.

I have to force in a lungful of air, and I flex my hands. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and comfort her the way her father is comforting her mother, but I suddenly feel like an outsider, peeping on a private moment that I have no business witnessing. 

“Cassie, I—”

“No!” she screams and then darts around Harland. She’s out the front door before I can register what she’s doing. 

Harland moves to go after her, and I stop him with a firm hand to his chest. “I got her. You stay here.” I nod at his parents.

He turns back to his parents without another word, and I walk outside. Truthfully, I need the fresh air. Even from the front porch, I can hear Mrs. Carter’s sobs, and the sound rips my heart to shreds. 

But the sight of Cassie on the ground, rocking forward, face buried in her hands, wailing is my undoing. I stride toward her, kneel down, and wrap her in my arms. She buries her face against my chest and cries even harder, which I’m not sure how that’s possible. But she does. And I let her. 

I don’t know how long we’re out here, but when she finally eases back, her face is red and splotchy, her cheeks are streaked with mascara, and my shirt is wet from her tears. 

“He can’t be gone.” She hiccups. 

I frown, wishing I could say something to make this better for her. I can’t bring the dead back to life, though, and no amount of stupid platitudes is going to make any of this okay. 

“Did he suffer?” she whispers, staring up at me. 

“No,” I lie. 

She nods and hugs herself. She tucks her bottom lip between her teeth, and I can tell she’s trying not to cry anymore, but she’s quickly losing the battle. She’s much too strong for her own good. 

I reach for her again and drag her back into my arms. She doesn’t resist. “Let it out, Cassie.” 

She clings to me, her body shaking with grief. I can’t stop the tears from pooling in my eyes. Caleb was just as much a brother to me as he was to Cassie and Harland. Maybe not by blood, but I loved him like he was. 

Several moments later, Harland steps outside. His hands are once again shoved into his pockets. His hair sticks up in all directions, and he looks exhausted. His gaze meets mine, and I give a quick nod. His shoulders slump, and he slowly makes his way toward us. 

“Cassie?” He gently touches her back. 

She stiffens in my arms. “I need to know what happened.” She sniffles and sits back so she can see me and Harland. “I need you to tell me everything, Harland.”

The sheer terror that washes over Harland’s face has my gut clenching. Technically, we weren’t supposed to even tell her or their parents that we were going on a rescue mission—for this exact reason. But Harland had wanted to ease his parents’ worry, and so he’d broken protocol to tell them. 

“I can’t,” Harland says. “I’m sorry, Cassie.”

She scrambles to her feet, sadness morphing into anger. “This is your fault!” She pokes him in the chest. “You were supposed to watch out for him. Protect him.” She chokes out a sob. “You promised me.”

I get to my feet, ready to jump in to play mediator when she turns on me. Her anger is palpable, and I brace myself. 

“This is on you, too, Steven,” she snaps, her tone vehement. “Caleb did whatever you two wanted him to do, and now he’s dead. Because of you!” 

Before either of us can respond, she spins on her heel and runs back inside, slamming the door hard enough to make me flinch. I clasp my hand on Harland’s shoulder to still his movements. One look at his face, and I know Cassie’s words hit their mark. Harland already blamed himself for not saving Caleb, and now his own sister is blaming him, too. 

“Give her some time,” I say, though I’m not sure all the time in the world will be enough for her to grieve the loss of her twin brother. 

“I can’t do this.” Harland shakes his head, climbs onto his bike, and takes off, dirt and gravel flying up around his tires. 

I stand there, heartbroken. Angry. Confused. I have no idea if I should take my own advice and leave Cassie alone or if I should go check on her. Eventually, I decide to leave her alone. She and her parents need time to process and grieve, and they don’t need me in the way. 

I mount my bike and leave. I have no idea where I’m going, and I don’t need to have a destination. Right now, I just need the wind in my face and the open road ahead of me. I can figure out the rest later.