Kingpin

by Audrey Bell

The protective biker will move heaven and earth to keep his ex-wife safe. But can he forge a second chance for their shot at happily ever after?

Kingpin

Ever since my divorce thirteen years ago, I’ve dedicated my life to my club. These MC brothers are my family, and this clubhouse is my home.

My ex-wife, Hattie, wanted normal. She hated this lifestyle that I was so steeped in - biker gangs and bars, tattooed skin and bloodied knuckles.

When a motorcycle accident lands me in the hospital, Hattie shows up as my emergency contact. Her presence unearths all the feelings for her that I thought I’d buried over a decade ago.

Hattie isn’t interested in rekindling what we used to have. But when I find out that she’s a witness in a local court case against a crew of bank robbers, there’s no way I’m letting my ex-wife out of my sight.

Hattie

Thirteen years ago, I signed divorce papers and never looked back. Turns out my mother was right when she warned me that Neil “Kingpin” Gibson was nothing but heartache.

I’m only in town for a week to visit a friend and give my testimony in court as a principal witness. I’d hoped to keep the whole ordeal quiet, but Neil managed to sniff out trouble. Now he’s like a bloodhound on the hunt, determined to ensure I am protected at all costs.

The more time I spend around Neil, the more my resolve weakens. Against my better judgment, I’m falling in love with him all over again.

Can Neil and I rebuild the wreckage of our marriage? Or are we better off going our separate ways after all?

***
This is a steamy romance intended for audiences aged 18+ only. There are no cliffhangers and no cheating. Includes themes of violence, language, and sexual situations intended for mature audiences. Please see the Reader's Notice at the beginning of the book for TWs.

Genres: Second Chance

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

MC Second Chance Romance

Kingpin and Hattie were married but Hattie realized that she did not want the MC life but wanted the “white picket fence” idea so she left. Now thirteen years later and she is called by the hospital since she was his emergency contact after he was in an accident. Somethings have never changed with Kingpin still considering her his wife and the intense chemistry they still feel toward one another.

When Kingpin finds out that Hattie is a key witness in a bank robbery, he and his club will do anything to protect the woman he loves. I love when books are fast paced with plenty of steam and drama. I always look forward to this author’s MC books.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingpin is Book 1 of the Blackjacks MC series. It's a steamy, mid-life, second-chance, girl gets her biker romance. Neil "Kingpin" is the hunky president of the Blackjack MC. Hattie is his sassy, feisty, ex-wife. They divorced 13 years ago as she didn't want to be in the MC lifestyle. She wanted tradition and stability. They constantly fought back then about the MC. Now, when Kingpin is hurt, she shows up as she is his emergency contact. They had insane chemistry even back then, but she doesn't want to be drawn back into the lifestyle. Then, Neil finds out she's a witness to a crime and in danger, and he is determined to protect her. OMG, this was so good. Their chemistry was INSANE, and we got a happy ending after a lot of danger and drama. I loved it so much. I can't wait for book 2!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Helg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Short book

This was an Good Short book. It was entertaining, ex, still Love her, action, witness, Wonderful Characters and so much more

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the Biker . . .

Neil Gibson “Kingpin” and Harriet Fields (“Hattie”) had been married, but from the start, she had wanted the “white picket fence” dream of normalcy. Kingpin’s goal, however, was to work up to President of the motorcycle club he loved. It led to many arguments between him and Hattie, but the two of them always cared very much for each other. However, 13 years ago, they divorced. Kingpin, now President of the Blackjacks MC, takes care of his MC brothers, always the protector of his family.

So when a car hitting him, after it illegally runs a light, puts him in the hospital, Kingpin is surprised to see Hattie arrive, still listed as his emergency contact. It doesn’t take him long to realize he has never stopped loving her. But things haven’t changed for her. She is here in town only to testify in a court case regarding a bank robbery. That puts him on instant alert that she needs his protection until the trial is over. Will the time they spend together be enough to rekindle what they lost? Are they both willing to give their love another chance? Or are they still stubbornly holding on to what broke them apart in the past?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingpin

Ever since my divorce thirteen years ago, I’ve dedicated my life to my club. These MC brothers are my family, and this clubhouse is my home.

My ex-wife, Hattie, wanted normal. She hated this lifestyle that I was so steeped in - biker gangs and bars, tattooed skin and bloodied knuckles.

When a motorcycle accident lands me in the hospital, Hattie shows up as my emergency contact. Her presence unearths all the feelings for her that I thought I’d buried over a decade ago.

Hattie isn’t interested in rekindling what we used to have. But when I find out that she’s a witness in a local court case against a crew of bank robbers, there’s no way I’m letting my ex-wife out of my sight.

Hattie

Thirteen years ago, I signed divorce papers and never looked back. Turns out my mother was right when she warned me that Neil “Kingpin” Gibson, President of the Blackjacks MC, was nothing but heartache.

I’m only in town for a week to visit a friend and give my testimony in court as a principal witness. I’d hoped to keep the whole ordeal quiet, but Neil managed to sniff out trouble. Now he’s like a bloodhound on the hunt, determined to ensure I am protected at all costs.

The more time I spend around Neil, the more my resolve weakens. Against my better judgment, I’m falling in love with him all over again.

Can Neil and I rebuild the wreckage of our marriage? Or are we better off going our separate ways after all?

This contemporary second-chance, small-town, steamy, short MC second-chance later-in-life romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are alpha MC, exuding power/wealth, ruthless, dangerous, violent, obsessive/possessive, captivating, and an ex-wife who didn't want this lifestyle, sassy/resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with Kingpin, a mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, drama, found family, heartfelt emotions, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the Kingpin and an explicit MC second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, dangerous, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BiblioDarling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐ : This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Violence
🚩Murder

Tropes:
💕Divorced to Remarried
💕Second Chance
💕MF Romance
💕MC Romance

Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.

*************************************************************************
Summary:
FMC and MMC have been divorced for twelve years. The MMC is involved in an accident and as his emergency contact the FMC is notified. Both the FMC and MMC have not gotten over each other. The FMC stays in town to be with family, but she is also a witness to a crime. The MMC finds out about the danger she is in. This leads to him and his club protecting her. There are conversations about what went wrong but also growth on both of their parts.

Review:
In truth, I have been waiting to read this book. I saw so many advertisements for it and was finally able to get my hands on a copy. It did not disappoint. To me this wasn't the typical mc romance. This couple is written in a way in which you understand how each of them feel---and sympathize with each of them. You watch as they both grow and change--to make this second chance work. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to lovers of second chance romance.

MC Romance Author Recommendations:
Eve Black
Candice Wright
Samantha Cole
Penny Dee
Sandy Alvarez & Crystal Daniels
Audrey Bell

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! The story of Neil and Hattie is filled with love, danger and found family and is an absolute must read! Their marriage ended in divorce 13 years ago but Neil can’t move on. When Hattie shows up at the hospital after he’s in an accident, his desire to have what used to be grows stronger. Hattie is back in town because Neil never changed his emergency contact but her sister and her family are here in the only place that was ever truly home. Being a witness to a bank robbery will put Hattie in danger when it’s time for the trial. Neil does what he always has and becomes her protector and his motorcycle club is right there with him. He will do everything he can to keep Hattie and her family safe. Hattie will begin to realize that her dreams might not be what her heart truly wants and as her feelings for Neil continue to be as strong as they ever were, she will need to decide which life she truly wants. With the help of a talk with her sister, Hattie realizes that Neil is the only man she has ever truly loved and that all the risk is more than worth the reward of having Neil’s love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hattie is back in town after receiving a phone call telling her that her ex-husband was in the hospital after an accident.

Neil, aka Kingpin, is left speechless when finds his ex-wife standing in his hospital room. His confusion as to why she's there is soon cleared up.

They've been divorced and apart for thirteen years, but the years haven't torn apart or made them forget each other. Once Kingpin finds out Hattie is a witness in a bank robbery and is set to testify, he makes sure his ol' lady and her family are safe.

Hattie takes this opportunity to visit her very pregnant younger sister and her family. Just as she's ready to return home to Seattle, her sister goes into labor, causing her to change her plans.

Kingpin confronts Hattie about him finding out about the court case. She's to be protected at all costs.

Will Hattie allow Kingpin to provide the safety and security she needs right now? Can Kingpin show her that they still belong together, that he's never forgotten her?

I enjoyed this read 📚?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I have to say the second chance books are not the normal genre of books I read. I normally find them boring. I can not say yhat about this book.

Hattie and Neil were married for 12 years. During that time the physical attraction was off the chart, but so was the fighting. Hattie wanted a normal "white picket fence" family, with a dog and kids. Neil was part of a MC working his way up to being President of the Blackjacks MC. They argued constantly and the had off the charts makeup sex.

Finally, Hattie was fed-up with the MC coming first and after 12 years she divorced Neil. As far as Neil was concerned Hattie was still his wife even though she moved away.

Thirteen years later and things have changed, Hattie's back to testify in a court case and Neil and his MC will do anything to keep her safe. Will this be a HEA or will Hattie continue on without Neil and Neil still thinking of her as his wife.

There's a few twist and turns, protection overload and LOTS of loving. Book well worth the read, not your typical second chance HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lady P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil and Hattie have been divorced 13 years when he has an accident and Hattie is called since she is listed as his emergency contact.

In these 13 years, Neil has worked his way from Sergeant at Arms to President of the Blackjacks MC. Hattie moved away to Seattle.

The MC life was not what Hattie signed up for, or did she? Seeing Neil again after all these years sends her mind/body into conflicting emotions.

Their chemistry has not diminished!😏

Neil still refers to her as his wife and "touch her and you die" is more than a cliche⚠️⚠️

Hattie remains in Brightwater, Montana by her sister, to be the main witness in a bank robbery trial. This makes her a target. Neil will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

Audrey doesn’t hold back with descripts of the MC life.

The steamy scenes add the right amount of spice to the mix.

Couldn't put this down. Well worth the lack of sleep.

[Kate Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Five freaking stars.

I did struggle to get into this book but boy am I glad I stuck with it. I ended up devouring it in an afternoon.

Kingpin is the fifty something prez of the Blackjacks MC and has never stopped loving his wife. Now divorced for 13 years, she comes back into his life — in danger.

He has no way of escaping her, no one touches his wife. Divorce or not, she will always be his wife.

Hattie never loved the MC lifestyle which is why they divorced in the first place but the pull back to Neil aka Kingpin is huge.

The spice is definitely spicin. I also love that these characters are in their forties and fifties and their relationship spans over 20 years.

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 4 🌶️

Tropes: Second Chance, MC romance, Spicy Scenes, Older FMC, Older MMC, Rekindled romance, Touch her and perish, morally gray

Please note, this is a MC romance. This means there will be triggering themes in this book. Please take care of trigger warnings before reading.

[Elly Christmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a second-chance romance, which was good. It didn't get too violent. They were mature adults. The book does touch on some sensitive topics. So do read about those. There was no graphic description of the violence, which is nice for some. The book really didn't need it. Mostly, this was a second-chance romance between a woman who tried her hardest to rid herself of her feelings for her husband. Did the whole divorce, then moved out of state. But when she gets that call about him in the hospital. The magnetic pull of their feeling brings her right back to him. He is her lighthouse,e truly. Giving her support and keeping her safe. I recommend. It was good.

As always, I recommend you read to form your own opinions.
There was no drama, no cheating, spice was the right amount.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey Bell’s stories are full of life, great characters, and lots of emotions! Hattie and Neil still love each other, but their divorce was final more than a decade ago. She was so scared of losing him to violence that their marriage ended, but her hopes and dreams for a family with him are renewed when she reconnects with him. I love their intensity, his patience, and her willingness to see the MC as family not a rival. The brothers are funny, but deadly when pushed and her sister is a sweetheart with two beautiful children. This a great start of a new series with tremendous potential for more stories! I wish Hattie and Neil’s story was longer, but hopefully they’ll play a part in the next books!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hattie and Neil had a tumultuous relationship when they were married and over a decade after their divorce they still burn brightly for each other. When Neil has an accident on his motorcycle and he still had her as his emergency contact, she drops everything and comes. Hattie was so afraid of losing him that was what made a wedge between them during their marriage. Hattie hangs around because her sister is heavily pregnant and she has missed out on so much of her life being in Seattle. Things hot and heavy between these two, but Hattie doesn’t want to risk her heart again. When Neil gets wind of her being a witness to a bank robbery, Neil will do anything and everything to protect what he still considers his. Will she give Neil a second chance?

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingpin: a second chance, small town MC romance story of Niel "Kingpin" and Hattie..He is President of the Blackjacks MC her ex Husband,intense,protective,hottie and the man she ever love..She is his ex wife,the woman who own his heart... When a motorcycle accident lands him in the hospital,she shows up as his emergency contact,the moment their see each other the feeling that is buried long ago came crushing back,now she's in danger when she testified from a bank robbery she witness and he will do everything to protect her and win her back..A quick,intense,steamy,enjoyable with a touch of drama,angst and second chances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected call leads to second chance

Kingpin is the first book in the Blackjacks MC series. This is an interesting and engaging second chance romance between Hattie and Neil “Kingpin” Gibson. They had been married but divorced thirteen years ago because she did not want the MC life and he was not willing to leave it. When she comes back to town with a purpose it was not to be Neil's emergency contact after he has a motorcycle accident. But that is what happens and it is going to take all her wits to keep things together, and secret, from Neil. But he knows she is hiding something and once he finds out what it is he will burn down the world to make sure Hattie is safe and protected, but along the way if he can win her back that would be great also!

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the world building and the characters in this book. I loved that Kingpin was still wearing his wedding band on a chain around his neck all those years after the divorce. And I liked that Hattie finally got comfortable with what she really wanted and got her mother’s voice out of her head.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Kingpin and Hattie
Genre- MC Romance
Heat- open door, explicit.
Series? Y
Safety? Y. Celibate hero.
Triggers- violence, language.
Tropes- Favorite Auntie, Tough-Guy-with-Baby Fanservice, First Love, Second Chance (after divorce), You Can Go Home Again, Found Family, Instalove.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an engaging read filled with an exciting second chance romance, danger, found family and love. Hattie gets called back to town when she gets contacted about her ex being in hospital after an accident. Who knew he'd never changed her as his immediate contact ;P Neil has never moved on after their divorce, and frankly, still considers Hattie his. With her back in town, his desire to be with her again, takes over. I really enjoyed his determination and her eventual caving on risking it all for love. With some danger swirling around her, Neil and his club step up, and they do finally get their HEA. Good fun!

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil “kingpin” Gibson Prez of The Blackjack MC’s.
Hattie is Kingpin’s ex wife.

Hattie and Neil were married then divorced because Hattie wanted a normal life ( a house with a white Pickett fence and 2.5 kids).
It has been 13 years, when she gets a call about Neil in the hospital.
Hattie was caoght in a bank robbery and is going to testify when she is threatened.
Neil and his MC group come to protect her.
Can they resolve their issues and have a Happily Ever After?
You will have to read the book.

This book has suspense , danger, intrigue, a 2nd chance romance.

Great Job. Audrey Bell !!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leave my review

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

MC romance.
Hattie is a schoolteacher and divorced wife of the MC Pres in her hometown. Despite her divorce, she runs to find him when the hospital calls for her ex-husband.
Kingpin is the Pres of his motorcycle club, and still in love with his ex-wife. So when she returns to town to worry him after a motorcycle accident, he's determined to win her back. And when trouble comes looking for her, he knows he'll do anything to protect her.
Will Kingpin and Hattie be able to put their past aside and live a beautiful romance despite the danger….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingpin/Neil has only loved one woman, his ex-wife Hattie. They divorced as she wanted a normal life that did not include a MC. It has been thirteen years since they split but she is still the one that is called when he is injured.

The temperature heats up when the pair come in contact with each other. When he finds out she is a witness to a robbery, the other two at large are targeting her, his crew will protect her.

This may be just what he needs to convince her to give him another shot. Cannot wait for the other guys' stories.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen years after walking away from the MC life (and Kingpin), Hattie is pulled back in when she gets a call—he's in the hospital, and she's still listed as his emergency contact. The moment they see each other, old chemistry reignites fast and hot.

Now, with Hattie a key witness in a bank robbery, Kingpin and his club are all in to protect her. He never stopped seeing her as his, and he’s determined to show her they still belong together.

This second-chance romance is packed with steam, danger, and emotional heat. Fast-paced and full of drama—exactly what I love in an MC romance!

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hettie receives a call from the hospital as her ex's emergency contact. It's been 13 years since their divorce and Hettie knows she needs to keep her distance. But Kingpin/Neil hears that she's a material witness and in danger. The president of the Blackjacks MC goes full OTT to protect his ex and soon old feelings start to reemerge. Its a great MC romance that ticks all my boxes Drama/action/angst/sass/spice!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil/Kingpin is the Prez of the Blackjacks MC, and Hattie is his ex-wife. When an accident brings Hattie back into his life after thirteen years, Neil is determined to win back her heart. This second chance romance had me cheering Neil and Hattie on to get their happily ever after. From the danger and drama to the heartbreak and steam, this is a great read. Kingpin is book one and a great start to the Blackjacks MC series, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingpin and Hattie's story is a great start to this new series by Audrey Bell. The Blackjack MC President has been waiting for Hattie to return for years, but he never thought it would happen.

This book has great characters and it's a great story. I love Kingpin and Hattie and I look forward to more in the series to come. These two were meant for each other, but needed to grow up and find themselves before they would work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of the Blackjacks MC series is an engaging, entertaining and enthralling read. The danger, drama and suspense kept me intrigued from start to finish. Neil "Kingpin" and his ex-wife Hattie star in this page turner. The chemistry between them is "I now need a cold shower" hot. I expected it to be a good book but this turned out way better than I thought it would be. I'd happily recommend reading. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hattie and Kingpin divorced 13 years ago with Hattie not wanting the Biker lifestyle, when Kingpin is injured in an accident she's called as his emergency contact. And sparks ignite again but she can't give into. When Kingpin learns she's a witness in a robbery of criminal gangs court case nothing will stop him from protecting her but can their time together rebuild something great between them. Well written steamy second chances, desires and more!

[Susan Ballain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book and had a great bikerMMC Kingpin and then there was MFC Hattie!
Hattie was involved in a bank robbery that brought her back to same town as Kingpin! And he later finds out about it! But Kingpin and Hattie have been separated for over a decade! But he still feels responsible for her well being! And he truly cares and loves her!
Will she realize she loves him before it’s too late???.

[Jedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I find when I read second chance romances they just go on and on, this book was different. The author was able to seamlessly resolve the issues so it was a win win without anyone having to give up anything.

What a great story, Hattie and Kingpin were everything, and then some, and the secondary characters were just as great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their marriage ended in divorce and thirteen years later she is summoned by the hospital when Kingpin is in an accident. It stirs up old feelings and when he learns that she may be in danger because of a court case he takes it upon himself to be her shield. Will their reconnection lead them to rekindling the feelings once shared for a second chance of finding happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.