In The Wolf and the Lion by Rex Holloway, two brothers named Raison and Rage find themselves in trouble after a robbery goes wrong. Rage is hurt and they end up joining a tough biker gang called the Dead Wolves Motorcycle Club. An ascent in the ranks ultimately finds them sparring with another gang called Big Machine MC. To protect themselves, Raison makes a dangerous deal with Big Machine, which involves a risky robbery in Denver where marijuana money is involved. On the other side are a former soldier named Mason and Detective Kim Wright, who are both involved via alternate angles, getting caught up in the action by destiny or design, and each facing their own challenges. The Wolf and the Lion is book one in The Mason Series.

I love a good motorcycle club series and Rex Holloway sets this one up spectacularly with The Wolf and the Lion. I think what sets this book apart is that with most novels in the MC crime genre, you're not usually rooting for the detective. Yet, in a testament to Holloway's skill as a writer, Kim became the person I most wanted to root for the moment she set up a drug bust using a dating app and online messaging to lure in the dealer. The dynamic, anger, and guilt between Raison and Rage make for an extremely unique relationship. The trauma runs deep and Holloway makes sure we understand that blood spilled changes the theory of familial thickness. The best part for me is symbolism. There's no better thematic resonance than a Flaming Molotov cocktail serving as a potent symbol of rebellion and the consequences of impulsive actions...and there's plenty here, all equally delicious. Very highly recommended.

The Wolf and the Lion is the first book in The Mason Series by Rex Holloway. It is set in the gritty streets of Montreal, where brothers Raison and Rage are forced to navigate the dark underworld of outlaw bikers after a brutal attack leaves Rage severely injured by a guard dog. They become entangled in deceit and brutality as they reach the Dead Wolves Motorcycle Club ranks. When a hitman strikes, the brothers must fight back, walking a treacherous path of revenge and betrayal. But when Big Machine, a powerful and ruthless force, moves for the Dead Wolves' territory, Raison is forced to make a deal that puts him at odds with a former Delta Force operator and his team. As alliances are forged and broken, Detective Kim Wright uncovers evidence of illegal activities and finds herself caught in the crossfire. With lives on the line and allegiances tested, this gritty, action-packed thriller hurtles toward a climactic showdown that will leave only one side standing.

The Wolf and the Lion is a compelling thriller chockful of action. The violence is intense, and readers are thrown into a world of danger where revenge and betrayal drive some of the characters. The world-building is impeccably handled, and the author deftly explores the underbelly of Montreal’s crime world. The characters are exceptionally developed, and readers will enjoy getting to know Mason, an ex-Delta Force who leads the agency. While Mason demonstrates excellent military skills and intelligence, he is a man torn inside with internal struggles. The Wolf and the Lion features genuinely flawed characters and a complex conflict. Strong motivation drives the characters and their actions. This novel is breathtaking and forces the reader to keep their eyes on the characters.

The Lone Wolves biker gang has held down their territory for quite some time, dealing drugs and running crime within their little sector of Canada with an iron fist. With Raison and Rage, brothers with a twisted dark past working as effective lieutenants for their leader, the only direction for business prospects is up. When a competing faction makes their leaders an offer to join forces and share in the emerging new market for marijuana across the border in the United States, the brothers have their doubts. A series of complicated incidents push them into direct conflict with a retired Marine whose excellent skillset has earned him the respect of his fellow officers. Only time will tell who will survive this titanic showdown in Rex Holloway's The Wolf And The Lion.

The first installment of Rex Holloway's intriguing Mason series is nonstop action. He draws readers into the story at an early point with origin stories that withhold essential details of the main characters' lives, making for interesting character development. He pulls it off so effortlessly that by the time this enjoyable journey reaches its halfway point, the reader will have a pretty good understanding of each character's motivations. The conversation is easy to follow, and the strategically placed clues immerse the reader in the adventure. The incredible attention to detail, explaining each tactical firefight and armored lock installation, feels as though the reader is right there with Raison's team, fighting for their lives, and is the cherry on top. Holloway's storytelling style and rapid pace in The Wolf And The Lion will leave action-genre readers spellbound and begging for more.

The Wolf and the Lion is a work of fiction penned by author Rex Holloway in the crime, action, and suspense genres. It is suitable for mature adult readers owing to the presence of adult language throughout, as well as scenes of drug use, graphic violence, and death. We follow brothers Raison and Rage when their lives are plunged into chaos after a botched motorcycle theft leaves Rage severely injured by a guard dog. They become embroiled in the violent world of the Dead Wolves Motorcycle Club, navigating through betrayal and brutality to climb the ranks. As they clash with the Big Machine MC, a formidable rival gang, Raison agrees to lead a high-stakes heist in Denver targeting the burgeoning legal cannabis industry. Their plans entangle Mason, an ex-Delta Force operator, and Detective Kim Wright, leading to a deadly showdown as loyalties are tested and lives are lost.

Author Rex Holloway has crafted an intense crime novel filled with a gritty and raw portrayal of the criminal underworld from cover to cover. The detailed descriptions of Montreal's backstreets and the dangerous allure of the outlaw biker lifestyle created a gripping and immersive atmosphere in multisensory detail. I felt a mixture of tension and empathy as Raison and Rage navigated their perilous journey, their bond tested by the harsh realities they faced. The dialogue that separates their characters and also shows us their many similarities was really entertaining. I was also really fond of Detective Kim Wright's subplot, balancing her professional duties and personal life with some great emotive moments that changed the heady, action-packed feel just when the pacing needed it most. The climactic showdown was a heart-pounding culmination of the intertwining plotlines that were incredibly well-handled and showcased the confidence of the author’s storytelling, leaving me reflecting on themes of loyalty, survival, and the high cost of ambition. Overall, The Wolf and the Lion is a superb work of fiction that I’d highly recommend for crime fans everywhere, and I can’t wait to see where this author takes us next.