Wow! Twenty-four hours later and I'm still emotionally reacting to this story. Not even sure if I'll be able to find the right words to describe it and describe my impressions and reactions. I won't say that I'm the most well-versed in biker romance out there, but I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that this book is one of the best. Now this is not to say that it will be everyone's gig since lordy it is not going to make one swoon and think of hearts and rainbows especially there at the end. However, as far as engaging the reader, making them know and feel a story, and then slaying a reader's heart for that brutally beautiful heartwrenching end, yeah, it will do that.
This was a new to me author and it's a brand new biker romance series. Of course I was game to give it a go. Within a few pages, I knew I had a hold of a story that would rival my favorites out there in this niche of romance and, when I shut the book, I knew I had read one of my best reads for the year. Thank the good Lord it is a series.
The book opens with a series of glimpses of the hero's encounter with the beautiful, mysterious angel who is the only light in his dark, demon-filled life. Dirk is a member of the strongest, baddest 1% MC in the country. He was born into it and molded by it and now he is the monster that even the toughest bikers don't want to see striding into their clubhouses because he's the National leadership's strong reaching arm that usually leaves blood and silence in his wake.
Dirk believes he will live and he will die, but he will never have anything good. But then light-filled, joyful Saylor Samson doesn't remain his distant dream. She is not afraid of him and gives him her smiles. She wants to go with him and her pull on that little piece remaining of his soul allows him to say yes. Without questions or expectations, she gets on the back of his bike and keeps this solitary nomad company. Dirk slowly discovers that life can have warmth, light, and a zesty flavor thanks to Saylor. He doesn't neglect his duty to Sinner's Creed and fulfills all that is asked of him, but now there is more.
But just as he starts to hope and have faith that life can be more, he is forced to make hard choices that aren't choices at all. A rival club is pushing in, his club will see Saylor as a threat, and Saylor has been keeping a huge secret. Dirk is forced to walk through flames and hope that he isn't left only with ashes.
Alright, so no surprise after my first remarks that this story gutted me. Utterly. The author makes it clear that she knows of what she writes. She knows this world and the people who live it. She doesn't sugar coat and I'm grateful because then my response was honest and authentic and I didn't feel manipulated. But she knows how to write a love story- a tragic one, but a love for the ages. The story is all told first person point of view by Dirk. This was a wise choice because it left Saylor something of a mystery and allowed the reader to discover her right along with Dirk.
The story because it is all Dirk's narration rises and falls on his shoulders. He is an incredible character. He grows up rough and mean with not an ounce of gentleness or tendercare in his life. He is very much a product of his environment and yet, there is that little bit that managed to stay whole- that bit that saw a sweet, wholesome vibrant girl and yearned for her and dreamed of her. He doesn't know what to do with Saylor when he has her and it was heartwarming to watch his early efforts right through to the end. Speaking of that end, its hard and not typical in a romance. Be prepared. My heart broke, but I acknowledge that the end fit the story. I will be waiting like a cat at a mouse hole for the next installment in the series.
In summary, this was amazing and utterly beautiful storytelling. It is hard, brutal and gritty, but still on the moderate side for a biker romance. I can easily recommend it, but not if the reader is in the mood for a swoony and smile inducing happily ever after. No this is for those who want to engage and feel something deeply that will leave them with tears, but a great love for story and characters.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.