Malo

Ruthless Kings Houston #2

by K.L. Savage

I go to the MC's bar to forget my failures. The guilt pushes me towards old, bad habits that could hurt me and the club.

Then she shows up and takes something from me. I decide to get even, only to find out she's being forced to work for our enemies.

We both want to take down the same bad guys. She'll do anything to save her father. But can we trust each other? She saw me at my worst, and her loyalties are split.

In a world of bikers and betrayal, we might be each other's only hope - if we can learn to trust.

Content This book contains dark topics that might be triggering for some readers. Readers who are especially sensitive to dark themes or drug imagery should be careful with this book!

Genres: Audiobook

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2024

Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because this is an MC story, it should go without saying that this is not a standalone, but this story in particular really is not if you plan on getting a deeper understanding of Malo. Events in Beast have an impact on Malo that define his character. That’s all I’m saying on that. Do with that information what you will.

Back in 2020 I was sucked into KL Savage’s orbit and it was a whirlwind for almost 2 years, then things got #twitchy and I walked away from the author duo. I got a notice from Booksprouts about this book a little while ago and said “why not” and it took me less than a couple chapters to figure out I should probably read Beast first. So, as I’ve mentioned, read Beast first. K,tks.

So, even though it’s been a couple of years since I’ve read a book by this author duo, it didn’t feel like any time had passed. This story is signature KL from beginning to end. It is raw and gritty and yes, dark. There really are no rainbows and gumdrops in either Malo or Maria’s orbit. I mean none! I expected that, and they delivered. The Ruthless Kings are up against a Cartel, so of course the story needs to be action packed, probably a little bloody and have very dark elements. I enjoyed this story because I knew what was coming but it’s not for everyone. I said what I said.

I can’t say that any of this story really surprised me one way or the other and that’s why it isn’t getting a 5-star rating. However, as I already mentioned, this author duo writes fantastic MC stories and charactersand their writing style pulls you into the story very easily. It’s possible that I have some residual feelings from the #twitchiness back in the day that is also causing me not to 5 star this story, but I’m not gonna do a deep dive into that so it doesn’t matter LOL.

If you’re a fan of MC stories that are as true to real life as possible, then KL Savage is an author duo you should have on your radar.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and twisted. Malo is a man that has a lot of baggage and regrets. He's hanging by a thread most days and is distracted a lot. When he finds a way to relieve some of his regrets and dim the noise in his head he is faced with an alternative, but that alternative can be just as destructive and deceitful as the life he's already living.

Malo is the second book in the Houston chapter of the Ruthless Kings, it brings us back to book 1, Beast and what happened in that story, but it has it's own story to go along with it. When Malo meets the beautiful woman in the alley, he has no idea the changes that are headed his way as well as the danger that he'll find himself in.

Marie is a woman that is being forced to act so out of character of herself that she's worried she won't be able to carry it out. When she has to do things that she would never do to save her father and herself, she'll force herself to keep her mouth shut and her head down. However, when she finds a way to save herself and her father with the help of the unexpected, she'll take the chance.

I enjoyed the story and it was nice to get back into the Ruthless Kings MC stories. I do miss the Las Vegas chapter members as well as the NOLA members, but being back in this world was nice.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting their battles

Malo is the second book in the Ruthless Kings Houston series. Be warned that there is some darker material in this story which could trigger some people, so read the warning before proceeding. It is the story of Maria and Malo, who meet in an unconventional way and so end up in an unconventional relationship. They make a good couple, each with their own issues and reasons for what they do that play off the other. The overarching story of the cartel and the MC is still playing out, as Maria is involved in something that is beyond her making and Malo is fighting his own battles, but they are internal more than anything else.
I did like this book and the characters. There were a few times that I put the book down to go read something more fun but still came back to Malo for more.

[Avid MC Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book for the Houston chapter of the Ruthless Kings MC and a continuation of the 1st book. Malo is tortured by guilt as a result of events that occurred in the 1st book and looks to drugs, which he has a history with, to quiet his demons. He meets Maria in a bar where she is being forced to work for the cartel that is holding her father hostage until he creates a new drug for them. Maria decides to work with the RKMC to bring down the cartel and free her father. This book is very dark and deals with some difficult topics so be prepared. Both Malo and Maria are fighting their own demons but are stronger together. Great read with a great ending.

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

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be warned this book contains some dark content that might upset some people so please read the trigger warnings.

Maria (FMC) is dragged into a world of Cartels, Drugs and trafficking people when her father is kidnapped and Maria is used to keep him alive. Only for the Cartel to force her to get close to biker Malo to get information on the Houston Chapter of the Ruthless Kings MC but things don't go according to plan. I really liked the dynamic Maria & Malo had where they both helped each other through their problems. Malo had a lot of emotional baggage and guilt to work through. A hard read but I missed some of the humour that the other Ruthless Kings book had to be honest. Still a good addition to the Ruthless Kings family.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Dark MC Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Ruthless Kings Houston series. I have read the first book in this series. This type of book is not for everyone, and there is a lot of stuff in this book that could trigger a reader. Please look into the trigger warnings before picking up this book. This book kept me wanting to keep reading because there was so much packed into this book. Malo is a broken man who never completely faced his past, and he fights that throughout this book. This book is packed with suspense, action, and romance. I really loved this book, and I loved the ending. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malo is still struggling with guilt over things that occurred in Beast is book. He has history of drug use and is finding it harder to stay sober even telling Beast he would remain so. He meets Maria in a bar, what he does not know is Los Rosas Negars has abducted her father and forcing her to get information on the Ruthless Kings.

Maria realizes these men are no where near as bad as Los Rosas Negars and comes clean to Malo and Beast. All that she asks for is to help get her father back from them.

Some may find this triggering to due to human trafficking, drug abuse.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Malo and Maria’s story. Malo go to the MC's bar to forget his failures. The guilt pushes him towards old, bad habits that could hurt him and the club. Then she shows up and takes something. He decides to get even, only to find out she's being forced to work for his enemies. They both want to take down the same bad guys. She'll do anything to save her father. But can they trust each other? She saw him at his worst, and her loyalties are split. It was a suspenseful and intriguing read. Am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Vim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark MC romance , that had some dark themes , of drug abuse, SA, Trafficking, could be triggers for some,

I was locked in to the characters from the start wanting to see how they navigated through the impossible situation Maria is in, to Malo dealing with his own demons and trying to resist the pull to each other, page turner .

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

[Tina Locklear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This happens to be the second book in The Ruthless Kings Mc and the story of Malo and he is a troubled hero out to save her from an enemy that both share, can he trust her, or will she destroy them both to get what the enemy is holding over her head? This one includes found family & strangers to lovers with a forced proximity twist full of lots of emotions and twists and turns. Who will get burned?

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malo and Maria. Hes a Ruthless Kings MC. He has demons and then some that make him struggle to stay away from drugs. While shes been kidnapped and forced to work for the enemy trying to save her father. Shes goes to the MC club and steals from him. When he tracks her down and finds out shes being forced he knows he has to help her. This is another great story in this series.

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

[Jen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Ruthless Kings contribution

Age gap is listed as a trope, but there's no real reference to their ages, so I'm not sure that was a factor. I also didn't feel that they really dealt with trust issues between her and the club, so that was a miss for me. But overall, it's a good story, well written, and I always enjoy when characters from previous chapters make an appearance.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!!

This is the second book in this series.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, loyalty, emotions, heartbreak, challenges, danger, suspense, intrigue, undeniable chemistry, betrayal, secrets, lies, engaging and realistic characters, and love which all leads to an entertaining, twisted, unpredictable, and thrilling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Malo is a man being eaten up by his past and his guilt. It has him making bad decisions. Maria is in a bad place. She is being forced into a position she doesn’t want to be in to protect her dad. Those handling her have her pointed right at the Ruthless Kings.

Plenty of triggers for those who may have concerns so check first.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark MC romance story. The Houston Chapter has some interesting characters and this newest release was an enjoyable read. Malo can’t get away from his dark past and Maria finds herself in an unfortunate situation. Will they will be able find their forever with all the danger that surrounds them? One click to find out in this newest addition to the series.

[Sherry Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this MC romance.
The story flowed really smoothly and was well written.
The couple had very romantic chemistry and moments between them.
Lots of action and intrigue for readers.
Can not wait to read more.

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the new Houston "Ruthless Kings MC" story. Malo and Maria fit together. They both have their own struggles and troubles but work so much better together. This is a little dark and might have some triggers. It's a good story that is dark and addictive with triggers, suspense, danger, passion and romance.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by K.L. Savage; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Ruthless Kings MC Houston Series; it can be read as a stand-alone book but would be better if read in order. The story is about Maria & Malo.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several things just don’t sit right with me.
Doing nothing about Mali’s drug use?
What was the point of Chuy?
Wasn’t the big fight.. unbelievable. The explosions and lack of concern about Maria’s father?
I don’t know why this MC chapter is so weak compared to New Orleans etc. is it a different writer???

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping and gritty, Malo and Maria's story offers up an entertaining blend of drama, suspense, raw emotion and action that has a razor-sharp edge that makes the feelings and romance seem that much sweeter.

[Sua · Rating 4 out of 5]

the characters are enjoyable and the action in the story brings things to life when it surround the characters. there was never a dull moment and each chapter was just as good as the next.

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

[Andrea L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too much Monologue

K.L. Savage books are great but the latest ones don’t feel right. Too much monologue and not enough dialogue. Like it’s too much effort and easier to write. I miss the old way they wrote. I probably won’t read any more Ruthless Kings Houston books- sad.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

MALO
Book 2 of RUTHLESS KINGS MC HOUSTON
K.L. Savage

The story and characters were well written and developed. I enjoyed the chemistry and journey. Great read.

[Nineette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malo and Maria found each other at their lowest. She was being blackmailed and he was dealing with guilt about traumatic situation. He helped deal with her issue, and she saved him from dying.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read.

This story was riveting. I was so deep in the story. That I had a hard time putting it down. There is mystery, murder, revenge, and closure.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had its ups and downs, but overall it was good. Considering Maria was supposed to be super smart, she made a lot of dumb decisions. It was hard to root for her.

Malo, on the otherhand, had a backstory that was heartbreakingly good. You felt for Malo and all that he is going through.

I liked the story. Wish there were more scenes with the club from Lousiana. The book mentioned Pocus for a small minute and then never again. I hope there will be more crossovers in the future.

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