Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 5 STARS 
 Review copy provided for an honest review 
 I absolutely loved Kele Moon's Battered Hearts series so I was thrilled when she announced this spin-off series and she did not disappoint. In fact she really surprised me with this story because I was expecting a MMA story and it was so much more. Two star crossed characters with little in common meet purely by accident (literally) and can't get the other of their head. The Viper is one of those books that brings together two people who really make no sense yet there is just something right when they are together that makes anything seem possible. While at times dark, dangerous, and a slightly scary it is also wonderful, hopeful and filled with a forever kind of love. 
 Marcos Rivera is in Garnet County visiting his cousin, Chuito. Marcos is from Miami; he's a fighter, a thief, an ex-convict, and trying desperately to be an ex-gangbanger. Trying to avoid a head on collision on New Year's Eve he accidentally runs town good girl and high school teacher Katie Foster off the road. From the minute he steps in to help Katie there is an instant connection between them; they feel it and the reader feels it but Marcos leaves as fast as he can because he knows nothing can come of the pull he feels for her and does what he believes is best and leaves. Katie can't forget the man who helped her, stood by her, and gave up his jacket when she was hurt and cold but his cousin won't help her and she resorts to desperate measures to try and reach him. When Marcos returns their connection is even stronger and despite knowing he shouldn't he can't stay away and their passion burns brightly. Man does Marcos have some game and Katie is more than happy to play. These characters will take up residence in your heart immediately. Marcos is one of those great anti-heroes that I love so much and Katie is simply a woman finally discovering her sexuality despite being married and divorced. I love that she really sees the good in Marcos even when he tells her there's none there, that she wants to learn Spanish so she will understand everything he says to her, and that she's willing to go the extra mile to show him they belong together. I also love Marcos for wanting to protect Katie even if that means leaving her. 
 While the ongoing romance between Marcos and Katie is front and center there are quite a few side stories in this book as well and Ms. Moon does an excellent job of interlacing them all together into one spectacular book. There are some very interesting alliances made and revelations that keep the reader intrigued and entertained. 
 I really can't say enough good things about this book or about Kele Moon's absolutely powerful storytelling abilities. The Viper will keep you guessing, make you think, and absolutely leave you squirming in your seat because it is that sexy and like every book by this author it will leave you with an overwhelming sense of joy.