The Outcast
Eve M. Riley
Independently Published (2022)
ISBN: 978-1916398238
Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (01/2023)
Still reeling over the crash and burn of her last relationship with a bad boy type, ER intern Kate finds herself caring for a long-haired, tattooed stranger who suffered a drug-induced affliction. Touching him makes every inch of her tingle, and she knows she should run (far away), but when he shows up a few months later at her friend’s dinner party, she can’t stop the magnetic pull of his brooding stare.
Kate is entirely too good for him: Fabian knows he should stick to his kind—self-destructive and damaged. Still, there’s something about Kate’s golden hair and the glimmer of mischief in her beautiful blue eyes he finds irresistible. He wants to give her the world, but his past always seems to find a way to ruin a good thing.
Will the fiery lust survive the stark differences in their lives? Read and find out.
“The Outcast” is the second book in the Techboys Series by Eve M. Riley. While reading the first book is encouraged, it isn’t a prerequisite, as this can be read as a standalone. The riveting sequel is a sizzling love story that will appeal to readers who want to be swept off their feet by an immersive romance. Despite the red-hot spark that ignites their passion, Kate and Fabian must navigate the obstacles threatening their burgeoning love. With Fabian’s penchant for drugs and the reemergence of an angry ex-girlfriend, level-headed Kate must decide if her feelings for Fabian are strong enough to weather the storm.
The author has a gift for slowly building chemistry between the characters with playful flirtations and back-and-forth banter, increasing the sexual tension. Then, after some strategic teasing, the writing becomes deliciously erotic. While tastefully articulated, Eve M. Riley holds little back, deftly detailing the couple’s steamy encounters, taking her time and focusing on both the physical and emotional connection. Because of the excellent character development, the romance felt authentic, and I was invested in the couple from beginning to end.
Further, the story shines a light on the harrowing and dangerous realities of experimenting with drugs and addiction. Fabian’s quest to do right in Kate’s eyes is often clouded by past trauma and his proclivity towards numbing out. As a result, it added another layer of dimension and relatability, setting itself apart from other stories in its genre.
If you love modern love stories dripping with passion, you don’t want to miss out on this. “The Outcast” is a stand-out romance novel with a dark twist. The heavy topics explored and the character-driven plot are thrilling and will resonate with readers. I cannot wait to get my hands on more books by this author!
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