Ride Rough

Raven Riders #2

by Laura Kaye

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders...

Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Second Chance, Suspense

480 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 25, 2017

About the author

Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink, Raven Riders, Blasphemy, Heroes, and Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura also writes historical fiction as Laura Kamoie, and lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Reviews

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've got to say that while I liked Maverick, I was not a fan of Alexa. She goes from an intimate relationship with someone she is engaged to rekindling her flame with Mav in no time. Let me elaborate. I am fully aware that Alexa's ex is the antagonist. He is bad in every sense. I'm glad she leaves him. I am even glad she moves on. Where I find issue is that she is not allowed any time to really deal with what she's going through before she's already sleeping with Mav. The barriers that kept them apart were still there. Additionally, she comes across as this super needy girl who needs reassurances in a world that offers no guarantees to anyone. The rating is largely due to her.

Mav was the knight in shining armor. The man that never stopped loving the heroine. I enjoyed reading about him in addition to both he and Alexa as a couple. Their intimacy was hot, which is what made my inability to abide by her as an individual that much harder. The writing and editing were strong. The series also appears consistent with previous lines.

Safety: No others for either after their reunion. Neither were celibate during their separation. Yes to abuse and dubious consent.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made the mistake of getting behind with Laura Kaye's Hard Ink series and fully regret it, so I am fully determined to not make that same mistake with this series. Especially not since it's going so well for me already. Ride Rough was amazing and these characters were crazy sexy so I just couldn't get enough of them. This was also my second second-chance romance that I read over the weekend so maybe I've been converted to a lover of this trope.

Maverick and Alexa had a sizzling chemistry that was undeniable when you saw them together. I'm not even kidding, their sexual tension almost made my Kindle explode. I really loved seeing them together and seeing how close they became even after not being together for years.

Maverick was the true hero of this book for me though and I will definitely be re-reading it just for him. He was this big bad biker dude but then we got to see the sweet and tender side to him and it had me swooning all over the place.

Bottom line, you need to start this series right away. I love these men that Laura Kaye creates and I think everyone else will too.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



Obsessed! Laura Kaye has me once again addicted to the men of The Raven Riders. How could I not when Laura Kaye continues to give readers like myself swoonworthy protective alpha heroes with heart. Yes, the Raven Riders are your completely different MC bikers. First, their personalities are a riot and secondly, they have this hard exterior but have this compassionate and protective nature that pulls you in. And let me just say, Maverick Rylan won me over big time.

If she needed him, he’d be ready. That was all he knew. And for now, that would be enough.”

Ride Rough was sexy, raw, beautiful and emotional. This book hits you hard as Laura Kaye provided layers and layers of depth of vulnerability, second chances, love, passion, and new beginnings. She allowed readers to feel for her characters as they navigated through their feelings for one another.

Maverick Rylan is the VP of Raven Riders. His life revolves around his brothers, his family, the MC and most importantly Alexa Harmon. Alexa will and will always be the one woman who has owned his heart. Five years of separation could not extinguish the torch he has for her. And so when Maverick learns that Alexa is in trouble and is in an unhealthy emotional abusive relationship, Maverick will stop at nothing in protecting her.



Alexa Harmon walked away from Maverick when her brother died. Feeling lost, she wanted to start anew. A new life. Fast forward to the present, Alexa should be happy with the life that she has built. She is finishing up with school, has a job and a very wealthy fiance. But soon Alexa will realize that means nothing when you are not happy. When Alexa decided to end her engagement, she turned to the one man who has stood by the shadows patiently waiting for her. Maverick Rylan.

And even though they lay there perfectly still, perfectly peaceful—at least for that one moment—Maverick realized that Alexa Harmon was the best fucking ride of his life. And he never wanted it to end.”

Maverick and Alexa’s relationship can be summed up as magnetic. Their chemistry and love for each other was something that couldn’t be erased after several years of separation. The love Maverick has for Alexa runs so deep. He would do anything to make her happy and that could be said for Alexa as well. Seriously, their love was explosive. It was burning bright fueled by passion, love, truth, honesty, and vulnerability. But what happens when Alexa’s ex-fiance tries to destroy and controls Alexa’s life? Will Maverick be able to protect Alexa in time?

Because underneath it all, Maverick had still been there. At the heart and soul of her. Waiting for her to see the truth. Waiting for her to feel it. Her truth.”

There is just something so organic in which Laura Kaye tells a story. She paces everything in a fluid manner and in such allows the readers to see and feel for her characters. Their flaws, strengths, and hopes. For Alexa Harmon, she is not your wallflower kind of heroine as she discovers that happiness is one call or in this case one ride away. As for Maverick Rylan, hearts will swoon for this hero. He was rough around the edges but a total sweetheart. So if you are looking for an MC story that beautifully blends raw emotions as the backbone of this book then Ride Rough is the book for you.

Laura Kaye

[♥ℳelody · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75 star
So I generally don't like 2nd chance love stories. In fact, I hate them with a fire of a thousand suns. Because they never surprise me or excite me and this unfortunately was another example of why. All sense of wonder, new discovery and milestones a couple hit when they get to know each other and fall in love the first time are completely taken out of the story so you are only given sporadic second hand information of the couple's past history which already happened off the page. Where is the fun in that?

Nowhere.

Only reason I made myself read this was because I want to read Book 3 and I was worried I would miss something important if I skipped this one. I liked Maverick just fine, he's sweet and funny and went great lengths to take care of Alexa. Alexa was fine too, she had her stupid moments but she didn't irritate me through the entire story like I thought she would. But the whole plot and pacing of this was insanely convoluted and hard to even suspend belief for 5 minutes to enjoy given the heavy subject matter it deals with. The heroine is engaged to a wealthy prominent millionaire(?) Grant Slater who has the personality of American Psycho behind closed doors. I will say Laura Kaye was very good at painting a realistic portrait of an abusive manipulative relationship. A little too good. Jesus. Which is why the first 11 chapters of this book are straight up miserable hell fire and makes you want to break out in hives at how accurate an abusive controlling relationship was portrayed. If you are easily triggered then don't read this. I felt like I was reading excerpts from Sleeping with the Enemy. 😩

My issue starts off with what went down in Chapter 10, when her loving fiance rapes her in their bathroom and she carries on afterwards thinking it's fine and still wants to go through with the wedding. But it isn't until they have a big blow up fight a few days later where Grant physically throws her out of their house in the middle of a storm, at night, that she gives him the proverbial "fuck you" and finally leaves his ass.

Now you're probably thinking that incident in the bathroom was my final 'oh hell no' moment. Well, no. It's actually what happens after she leaves him that just screeched the tires to an abrupt halt into WTFville.

A day after Alexa leaves Grant and 3 days after he rapes her she sleeps with the hero Maverick.


And no, not one of those 'this can only happen for one night, make me feel good' moments of emotional upheaval. No. I'm talking 'Heeeey boo. I've always wanted you, I was wrong to break it off 5 years ago, please baby fuck me good with your glorious dick. Give it to me good' spread eagle moments.


I.......are you serious?


Jesus.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too fast.



I don't care how well the hero and heroine have known each other, that's a bullshit excuse to pull this. When you are dealing with a traumatized character who has been physically abused they need time and space to heal. I was hoping this book would cover a few months like the first book did but for some bizarre reason Kaye chose to rush the most important part of the plot along. Which makes no sense. If that was the case, these 2 should have gotten a novella instead. Cause she certainly didn't use the extra pages to her advantage IMO.

So after that wham-bam moment, it's pretty much fluffy dialogue tossed between the hero and heroine to the point it's repetitively boring. So boring I felt like this took me 2 months to finish. Cause boy did it draaaaaaag. You rely your whole plot around an abusive ex as the villain and yet 70% of the story nothing major happens except the hero and heroine rehashing and thinking the same things over and over again. And the hero doing sweet things for her cause he already knows what she likes. (See? Not exciting) And I felt Maverick was a written a little too perfect for my tastes that it bordered on cheesy fanfic. That and the nonstop swearing. It was starting to make me twitch and remind me of those awful trilogies where the macho alpha hero is cursing up a storm while he's drilling into his heroine or reassuring her how "fucking perfect" she is all the time. I get it. I don't need to see it on every page.

Oh and if you are going to take it there? Take it all the way. Label it. The fact that Maverick never found out that Alexa's crazy ex raped her I found surprising & a missed opportunity. He deserved to go after him just for that. Or the fact that Alexa never verbally or mentally acknowledged what he did. She never labeled it, just admitted "it was wrong". And when I came across this bit of dialogue near the end I found it interesting? to say the least:

Never in a million years would she have thought Grant would get that violent . . . or twisted. And who knew what more he would’ve done if Maverick and the guys hadn’t shown up?

Uuuuh...seriously? He's hit you. Threw things at you. Kicked you. He physically threw you out of the house just because he didn't like seeing you with another man. And oh yeah! HE RAPED YOU. And obviously tried to do it again here if the calvary hadn't showed up when they did. Come on. A man tackles you to the ground, forces his body on top of yours, forcibly kisses you and grinds against you, wtf do you think it was leading to Alexa? It's not cute to be this dense and shocked when you clearly already know what this person is capable of.

[Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've fallen pretty HARD for this series, and even HARDER for Maverick Rylan, VP of the Seven Riders MC. His dedication and loyalty to the people he loves it just so DAMN sexy! Laura Kaye brings her a-game in her latest installment of the highly addictive MC Romance series. Explosive sexual tension, and enough emotion that will bring you to your knees, RIDE ROUGH was an all out sexy and suspenseful read. I couldn't look away once I began and I wanted to savor it, yet devour it in one fell swoop.

"I don't want to hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you. But I want you. I want you inside me right now more than I want my next breath."

Maverick and Alexa have a deep connection that spans many years. When tragedy struck, one walked away, and the other did not chase after. Fast forward five years, and tragedy has struck again, and this time Maverick will not let Alexa go without a fight. This tragedy comes in the form of an abusive fiancé who will stop at nothing to get Alexa back. He has powerful connections, and will make it damn hard for Alexa to ignore him. To keep Alexa safe, Maverick will be by her side every moment of every day. The close proximity brings their powerful connection to the forefront and pretty soon, the bond that they shared so long ago, comes rushing back with a vengeance. No longer able to deny what they feel, the closer they become, the closer the enemy draws near. This enemy has the power to destroy them both, but what's that old saying? Oh yeah, LOVE CONQUERS ALL, and all that jazz.

I loved this installment so much. I loved Maverick's bossy side, and I loved his tender side. His loyalty to his MC and his family was so beautiful. Alexa's strength shined through in this romance, and I cheered her on, every step of the way. With emotion bleeding through each and every page, Laura Kaye has created something robust and special with Maverick and Alexa's second chance love story. The Raven Riders have become like family to me and I can't wait to revisit them in the highly anticipated third book in the series, RIDE WILD. This will be Slider and Cora's story, and I'm just as giddy for their story as I was for this one!

[Katie Reus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Kaye is a master at writing sexual tension! Ride Rough grabs you and won’t let go until the final page!

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you fall in love for the first time it is often said that you never forget your first love and in a lot of instances you may very well stay together forever. However, as wonderful as that sounds, it doesn’t always work out that way.

Alexa and Maverick were in love as teenagers and he thought that nothing would ever break them apart, until Alexa did just that when she walked away from him, leaving him stunned and broken hearted.

Five years later and Alexa is now engaged to another man. Grant Slater. He is handsome and a very successful business man. He has given her a life that she had only dreamed of. She never wants for anything and lives in a beautiful home. However there is another side to Grant, a side that no one else sees. He is an abusive, manipulating control freak.

Maverick has been keeping his eye on Alexa over the years, he knows that Grant is not the man for her and he also knows that this man has a dark side, therefore he keeps tabs on Alexa so he knows she is okay. This is how he comes across her one night distressed outside her home. His protective instincts kick in and on the back of his harley she goes.

Alexa thought that being with a man like Grant was a good choice for her, a safe choice. Maverick is part of the local Raven Riders MC and there is danger on a daily basis in his world. However, she has come to realise that danger comes in many forms and she has never feared for her life as much as she recently has being with Grant. Within minutes of being in Maverick’s company she feels safe.

“You’re a good man, Maverick Rylan. Better than I gave you credit for. But I see you now.” She paused, and he hung on her words like they were the oxygen he needed to breathe. “I know it may be too late. But, God, I see you.”

Maverick has never stopped loving this girl and the thought of anyone causing her harm eats him up inside. She should never have been with him in the first place, she belongs to him and there is no way he is letting her go ever again. Now he just has to deal with her psycho ex.

That is just a quick skim of what happens in this second chance love story. I loved Maverick, he will do anything for the people he loves and that includes his brothers. There is a lot more happening in this story that I haven’t touched on and plenty of glimpses of Dare & Haven from book one.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ride Rough was AWESOME! It was a riveting story that was emotional and intense with fantastic characters. I loved it and was completely captivated. I was seriously on the edge of my seat. Such a fantastic series!

Right from the beginning I was all in! Maverick and Alexa have a heck of a story. I loved them reconnecting and could feel their pull, they had great chemistry. There was so much past pain and hurt but still so much underlying love and them coming back together had me cheering. I thought they were extremely well developed characters and I loved learning all their details. I felt so bad for Alexa because of her current situation and was rooting for her. I loved watching her figure things out, get stronger and really stand up for herself. I loved watching Maverick be there for her and the conflict he felt over everything, he was so protective and loyal. As well as the drama Maverick and Alexa were dealing with, there were a lot of sweet moments as well and I adored their playfulness and teasing.

The Ravens! Hello hot bikers that do good things! I love this club. I love that The Ravens protect others and this brotherhood they have. More club details were learned, there's some drama and it made for some action packed scenes. I thought the updates on other characters were great and I really liked getting to see more of the men's personalities. I loved seeing more Dare and Haven and more of Cora too. She's up next with Slider - I am beyond excited for that story!

It’s just a well thought out, elaborate world I got completely lost in. Excellent writing, great build. It's a full story with fantastic details with a nice element of suspense mixed in. I was excited while reading and my emotions were everywhere. I was holding my breath from all the tension, swooning from Mavericks sweetness, cheering for Alexa when she stood up for herself, and wanted to throw my Kindle because the bad guy stressed me out so much. It was all just fantastic!

Get ready for a hot and intense ride with Ride Rough!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Maverick he was not bashful, “I want to pin you against my truck and kiss the eff out of you. I want to put my hands on you. Everywhere. I want to push those sexy little pants off your even sexier *** and make you wet with my fingers until you’re crying out my name. While all those eyes behind that dark glass are watching. While Slater’s watching.” I loved this book, Maverick was protecrive and sweet.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ride Rough was the second book in the Raven Riders series by Laura Kaye.

We met Maverick and Alexa in previous books. Maverick was Dare’s Cousin (book one, Ride Hard) and Alexa was Maverick’s lost love. Maverick’s best childhood friend, Tyler, was Alexa’s older brother. Tyler died five years prior and Alexa fell apart. She broke up with Maverick and began building a safe and stable life. All seemed well until it didn’t. And then Ride Rough began.

Kaye took us through the details of Alexa’s life. Maverick and Alexa had just crossed paths again and Maverick vowed his protection. Kaye took us through some emotional moments with a suspenseful vibe. For those needing to know about abuse triggers, be warned. Additionally, the whole gang came together again and demonstrated their loyalty, love, protectiveness, friendship and family bond. There were a few loose ends that weren’t fleshed out but hopefully we’ll get a few more details as the series progresses. Next up is Slider in Ride Wild.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance Summary
Maverick Rylan, the Vice President of the Raven Riders, is worried about his girl, a woman he has loved for years who is in trouble.  Alexa Harmon, once was in love with Maverick when she was young but when her brother died, she pushed him away. Alexa has rebuilt her life, she now has a career in interior design, a handsome fiancee and a beautiful home, what more could she ask for. But when her fiancee Grant, starts to become even more controlling, and being abusive. And when she starts to realize how he has treated her since meeting him and how he has changed her, she decides to take control of her life again. Maverick is her rock, and she realizes she never stopped loving him but her ex fiancee is becoming unhinged and could destroy what she has become with Maverick...
Plot and Story Line
Ride Rough is the second book in this series, and I had a blast with this story and just like the first book I fell in love and it didn't take very long to do either. This author never ceases to amaze me with her stories, and Ride Rough kept me immersed. This story is wonderful, and not exactly what I was expecting to be honest, but I really enjoyed how it wasn't quite as dark as I was expecting it to be. Our heroine is suffering in a relationship, where she is being emotionally and slightly physically abused. From the beginning you see how manipulative and controlling her fiancee is, even if Alexa doesn't quite want to admit it to herself yet. Then our hero steps in. Maverick is simply delicious and one of my favorite heroes. I love how protect and loyal he is, true to his roots and his brothers but also to Alexa. I love how even though she pushed him away, he doesn't hold it against her, he has such a strong sense of empathy.
You're a good man, Maverick Rylan. Better than I gave you credit for. But I see you now. I know it may be too late. But, God, I see you
In book one, we see a scene between these two, and it continues in this book. Its been a couple weeks following book one. Maverick has been hurt badly by Alexa, but hasn't stopped caring about her. I did enjoy seeing these two come back to each other again, although it is slow going. We get some great times with the Raven Riders Club again and we get to see some of our favorite character from book one. We see how close knit they are with each other, and the way they come together when something is wrong or when a woman is in trouble and needs their help. Their laughter and commadarie, is addicting and just brings a smile to the reader. And of course I need to mention the cat. Alexa's cat is hilarious. So funny.
"Was just thinking that Lucy could totally be the club's mascot. You need a biker name, though, " he said, hugging Lucy a little tighter to his chest as she tense at the clipping "Lucy" is cute and all but it doesn't really fit our vibe. Or the sweater I bought you. Maybe Lucky or Bones or...Slugger. Right?" The cat purred and stared at him "You like that idea, don't you? Yes, you do, kittykitty."
"You are totally cooing at my cat right now."
"Am not."
"It's turning me on."
"I'm totally cooing at your cat."
I love how all the sweet feels you get from seeing this club. My only complaint is the ending, we kinda get a bit of a teaser cliffhanger dealing with supporting characters and I am hoping that book three will pick up right after this one.
The Cover
Sexy and hot and I LOVE it....it has such a pretty cover that I want to pet.
Overall View
Ride Rough is a sensational and emotionally in tuned romance, a slow burn second chance tale that wrapps around you like a warm blanket. A RIVETING ROMANCE LEAVES YOU SMILING!
Say you'll be mine.
That we'll ride through this life together, you and me against the world.
Just like we said.
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="21286"]

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ride Rough is book two in the Raven Riders series by Laura Kaye. I loved this one.

Maverick and Alexa have a past, but they or I should say she broke it off. She just wasn’t ready and of course she’s moved own. Now she’s engaged to a man she thinks will give her everything she ever wanted. Maverick made a vow to watch over Alexa whether she is in his life or not. These two might just find a second chance.

WOW, it’s hard to read about abuse, of any kind, on anyone. The author vividly portrayed what was going on with Alexa, what she was thinking, and feeling. You can see and feel the abuse, but Alexa is not yet ready to see the signs, but when she does things get complicated; because her fiancé, Grant, has made it so her life is all wrapped up in his and their is no easy way out.

Maverick is such a sweet guy. I loved him. When he gets his chance to be with Alexa again he doesn’t push. He is just their to help and maybe; become something more, if they can discuss the past and keep her safe.

Their was just so much tenderness, passion, and warmth in this novel. I love the Raven Riders. They are a protective bunch and will do what they can to help Alexa out. The feelings Maverick and Alexa have for each other are deep and intense. The past was never resolved and they both have carried a torch for each other, even now, when they both tried to move on in their lives. 

Two things that really stood out and made this one fun, sexy, and entertaining where the carnival and the sex scene on Maverick’s bike. Who can resist a splendidly well written sex scene on a motorcycle. Oh boy, it was hot and so sexy. The carnival was adorable and delightful. It was so great that the Raven Riders had this idea to put together a carnival to bring back business after the events in Ride Hard. The carnival brought back many memories from when I was a kid and all the fun times me and my friends had at the fair. It was well done and everyone had such fun.

The more I dive into the Rave Riders series the more I fall in love with the world, the club, and their ladies. I’m excited for Ride Wild, because it’s finally Cora’s turn. I’ve wanted her story since the moment she popped up in Ride Hard as Haven’s best friend.

Rated: 4 Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 "Heroes ride motorcycles!" Stars!!

I liked this one a lot. The story was good, but mostly I really loved Maverick. Just everything about him. He's smart, protective, playful, serious, rational. All good things! Plus, I really liked Alexa too. She started off a little bit questionable for me, but she smartened (I don't think that's a real word) up real fast and there were no TSTL moments. Love me an emotionally smart rational girl.

I kind of want to rate this one five stars mainly for the two main characters and how they handled the situation they were in, but the plot was kinda... too typical; and a couple other things. But as usual LK did not let me down with this one. I enjoyed it very much and I cannot wait for the next Raven Rider to find their HEA. I'm hoping it's Slider and Cora. Happy reading!!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ride Rough the second book in Laura Kaye’s Raven Riders series deals with the heavy subject of partner abuse both mentally and physically and while it was handled extremely well , I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did the first book in this series. Don’t misunderstand, it was well written and the characters were compelling, but I struggled with part of the story and there was so much going on in this book that I felt the couple got a bit lost in the rest of the story instead of being the focus of it.

Years ago Maverick and Alexa were a couple, but with her brother’s grief and her mother’s emotional state Alexa needed more from Maverick and when he balked for just a moment in time she broke up with him and walked out of his life never looking back. Now engaged to a powerful man, working in his company, living in his home and planning a wedding just weeks ago Alexa thinks she has it all, but the closer they get to the wedding the more she realizes that something is “off” with her fiancé, Grant, and when Maverick inserts himself in her life again she begins to see that security and safety are two very different things.

Maverick really impressed me with his handling of Alexa especially when he began to suspect exactly what was happening in her life. He could have gone in all guns blazing, but instead he settled for being there for her as a friend, for making sure she was okay, and to help when she needed it. I liked that he understood what was happening and was determined to let her figure it out, but be close by when she did and needed him.

As difficult as it is to see women get caught up in an abusive relationship, I can also understand it because I’ve seen it happen to someone close to me. Alexa was smart, but an abuser is good at picking their victims and figuring out what they need to feel safe, make them feel that way and then pull the rug out from underneath them. Most women are not as lucky as Alexa to have someone willing to jump in and help and she not only had Maverick, but the whole Raven Riders crew.

As these two had history it wasn’t a surprise that they moved pretty quickly into a physical relationship, but to be honest it kind of bothered me. Alexa was coming out of a long term relationship that turned abusive over time, but she easily moved on to another man without any counseling or even really thinking about the fact she moved from one man’s bed to another man’s bed in the blink of an eye. It was evident the Alexa and Maverick shared a closeness that couldn’t be denied and I love the passion and tenderness they shared especially given what she had endured.

I am really enjoying getting to know all the members of the Raven Riders and with each book their personalities come out a bit more. While there is no doubt their activities sometimes skirt the law, these are men who a passionate about helping women and children out of bad situations and giving back to their community.

Despite my few issues with Ride Rough, I did enjoy the story and Ms. Kaye writes with such passion that it is insanely easy to get wrapped up in her stories and be excited about what is coming next.

ARC provided by Inkslinger PR for a voluntary review.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't enjoy a lot of second-chance romances but this one worked for me.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Kaye always writes such irresistible male leads and Maverick is no exception to that rule. He's a badass biker who is willing to bend the rules when he needs to along with the rest of his MC, the Raven Riders, but they put any profits they make towards helping women escape from dangerous situations so it's very hard to fault them for it. There is one woman in particular that Maverick is worried about right now though and that's his ex-girlfriend (and the only woman he has ever loved) Alexa. He knows Alexa is in a damaging relationship but she has to be willing to accept his help before he has any chance of rescuing her.

Alexa broke up with Maverick after her brother died, she was struggling with her own grief as well as trying to look after her emotionally unstable mother and she needed security that Maverick just couldn't provide. When she met Grant she thought he was everything she ever wanted but gradually over the years they've spent together he has slowly eroded her confidence and cut her off from her friends. Grant's controlling behaviour started so gradually that Alexa didn't even realise what was happening until it was too late and it's only when he starts becoming increasingly erratic and prone to violence that she realises that she's in deep trouble. She automatically turns to Maverick for help but Grant isn't going to let her go easily and they're going to need the help of all of the Raven Riders to keep Alexa safe.

I absolutely adore Maverick, he's that perfect alpha that's a little bossy and very protective but who doesn't push it too far. He is obviously head over heels for Alexa and he would do anything to keep her safe from harm. I loved that he puts Alexa's needs before his own, he goes out of his way to make sure she has everything she needs to feel comfortable and secure and he works with her to make sure her mother is taken care of too. We get some lovely bonding moments with him and the other Raven Riders and I really can't wait to get to know all of these characters better in future books. Alexa has been through a lot and it shows, she's been so beaten down by Grant that she has very little confidence but that quickly starts to change as Maverick helps build her back up again.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts and I think this was actually the hottest book in the Hard Ink / Raven Riders series so far. If I had one complaint it was that I felt things moved forward between Alexa and Maverick far too quickly, yes the sexy times were unbelievably hot but I would have found them more realistic if they'd waited a bit longer to give into temptation. Alexa has just come out of a 5 year relationship with a master manipulator who turned her into a shell of her old self, she was bound to be seriously messed up and I really would have loved to see her take a little time out to process her emotions and deal with things before she jumped into bed with Maverick. We do see her make a lot of progress by the end of the book but it felt a little like she was using Maverick as a crutch to help her cope rather than learning to stand on her own two feet, something that could have easily been avoided by holding off on their sexual relationship for a few weeks.

That didn't stop me enjoying the book though, Maverick is definitely my favourite Raven Rider so far (although I have high hopes for several of the others!) and I enjoyed seeing Alexa turn her life around. I also loved Alexa's pet cat Lucy who was utterly adorable. It was great to catch up with some of the characters we met in the previous books and I'm definitely excited about continuing the series. Laura Kaye never lets me down and is definitely an auto buy author for me.

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Maverick and Alexa Stars

This great series continues with the Vice President-Maverick's story. He is such a likeable hero- loyal, alpha, funny and solid. He gets a second chance with the girl who broke his heart five years ago. Alexa left Mav after her brother, his best friend , died. She's about to marry a guy who has it all on the outside but inside is a monster.
Triggers include domestic violence.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No

[♡Julalicious Book Paradise♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review on Julalicious Book Paradise

The second book in the Raven Riders series is about Maverick and Alexa. They used to date until she left him hoping for a better and more stable life for her and her mother after the death of her brother. We get our first glimpse of Alexa in the first book when five years later, she’s knocking back on the Raven’s door with bruises. Maverick only wants to help her, but she refuses to admit she needs help and apologize for coming.

The second book continues to where things were left off between them; Maverick watching over her discreetly and her being in denial of what her life has become. He can’t seem to put her in the past though he knows he ought to do it knowing something is not right.

Maverick is dedicated to the people he cared about. From the first book of the series, you can see that. He’s loyal and he would do anything to protect the ones he loves. He feels a lot of guilt over what happened between his mom and father and that reflects a lot into the person he has become.

Alexa's character was frustrating at time, but at the same time, you understand where her thoughts are coming from. Unlike us the readers, Alexa isn't aware of the bad relationship she is in; she always finds excuses to explain why Slater did one thing and why he didn't do the other. But Alexa is a lot like Maverick; she takes care of her loved ones. She is dedicated to her mother and even if it’s hard sometimes, she doesn’t let that stop her.

Alexa and Maverick together were like two pieces of puzzle put back together; they just fit. I liked how he helped her realize little by little that the relationship she thought she needs/wanted was far from perfect without pushing too far. He was there when she needed him and that’s it. It was slow building because Alexa had to work a lot on herself to understand who she was and who she has become and realize who she really was.

Though the main story is about them, there’s also a lot of going on in the background with the Ravens as they try to save the image of the club after the events of the previous books and so many obstacles are put on their path too.

I will admit that I got frustrated with the book from time to time because a lot of injustices happened in it and I wanted to punch someone and since I can’t punch my phone, I decided to just turn it off and wait to cool off.

Overall, it was a quick read that will probably make you want to hit something from time to time, but I think you’ll fall in love with Alexa and Maverick’s story.

I'm really looking forward to the next books of the series and see where Laura will take us next.

I was giving an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Vintage]

Another DNF.

Heroine is a Complete and Total Idiot. Torn between two lovers....

Torn between two lovers, feelin' like a fool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1F5B...

Yuck, she deserves the song on a loop and all it's nauseating, angsty blandness.


One lover, her ex, is the almost psychic alpha 1%-er because he's always right there when he needs her (okay, maybe he's just a stalker), and the other is the scarily precise and anal, think Sleeping with the Enemy white collar fiancee who lines the mail up by size and color. Why she ended up with an abusive and controlling emotionless iceberg other than the doting motorcycle man I do not know and do not care.

At least she's not having his baby...what a lovely way of sayin how much she loves him....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFHWl...

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A relationship that is going all wrong and even dangerous, can the flame from her past save her?

Opening Sentence: Alex Harmon tore out of her car and ran into the house, her high heels clicking against the concrete of the three-car garage and then the travertine tiles of the hallway and kitchen.

Excerpt: Yes

The Review:

Alexa should be happy. She is two weeks away from marrying the man of her dreams, but instead, she feels sick to her stomach. A week ago they got into a fight and she tripped over a box and bruised her face, and he hadn’t helped her at all. He blamed her for it so Alexa ran to Maverick, her ex, and the Vice President of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. She ended up feeling embarrassed so she hadn’t really told him anything.

Now she is trying her best to follow Grant’s rules and keep everything good until the night he physically throws her out of their house. At that point Alexa has had enough, she can’t make any more excuses or justify his behavior. Maverick knows that guy is bad news so he has been keeping an eye on Alexa, when he sees her walking in the rain he brings her back to his house. Maverick is hopeful that she will be done with Grant, and that maybe they will have a future again.

However, he knows that a guy like that isn’t done with Alexa yet, and he vows to protect her. But as Grant continues to call, harass and stalk her will Maverick be able to keep her safe? Will they lose everything in the fight against Grant?

Ever since SOA, I have a very special place in my heart for motorcycles and smoking hot men… and Laura Kaye doesn’t fail on delivery. Whew, I love me some good bad boys… and Maverick takes the cake. Tattoos, long hair, and like the perfect book boyfriend, you can’t ask for more out of a romance novel. I especially like the portrayal of the beginning stages of abuse. Not that I like abuse, but I do like when authors highlight in a realistic and authentic manner. It isn’t always physical, but it almost always starts with the controlling, and the temper and the fear. Plus, showing a strong confident woman like Alexa as being vulnerable to abuse just shows that even if you don’t think it can happen to you, it can.

I will be honest, I didn’t like Grant before I actually even met him on the pages of this book, and I didn’t feel sorry for him at all. I am going to have to check out the other books in the series, romance isn’t my go-to genre these days, but I still really enjoy a well-written smoking hot romance and this fit the bill.

Notable Scene:

A nauseating flutter of nerves rushed through her when they returned to the clubhouse. The way Maverick had been when they left the restaurant, there was was no way he wasn’t going to be enraged at Grant’s efforts to blackmail Alexa into giving in. And at the same time she hated to do anything that might pull the Raven’s further into this mess.

FTC Advisory: Avon provided me with a copy of Ride Rough. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Les Chroniques Aléatoires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Les Raven Riders sont de retour et sans surprise c’est sur Maverick et Alexa que les choses se concentrent cette fois-ci. On s’en doutait après avoir vu Alexa débouler dans le tome précédent avec le visage abîmé et effrayée, avant de disparaitre à nouveau et laisser derrière elle un Maverick dans tous ses états. Laura Kaye continue de nous faire vibrer avec ses bikers au cœur tendre et tout ce qu’on pouvait souhaiter de mieux !

Maverick est le VP des Raven Riders et le cousin de Dare, ce qui veut dire que tout le monde se repose sur lui, demandant aide et conseil à tout moment. Mais Mav a un peu du mal à s’ouvrir après le décès de son meilleur ami, sa mère qui était maltraité par son père et sa petite-copine qui l’a quitté sans explication plusieurs années plus tôt. Mav n’a jamais oublié Alexa, il peut passer pour un dragueur charmant, il est en réalité assez sombre et intense, cachant des blessures et des pulsions violentes. C’est un personnage qui m’a touché avec sa volonté de faire de son mieux, de protéger les siens quel qu’en soit le prix.

Alexa a grandit avec les Raven Riders, son frère était un prospect jusqu’à son décès et l’homme de sa vie en est devenu le VP. Mais avec les troubles mentaux de sa mère, elle a souhaité s’éloigner de tout cela, trouver un travail stable, un mari normal et tendre. Pourtant elle ne pouvait pas plus se tromper sur son fiancé, elle est sur le point de craquer avec les demandes de sa mère et Maverick devient sa seule planche de salut. Alexa peut apparaitre comme faible, elle se laisse faire, facile trop facilement les maltraitances psychologiques qu’elle subit depuis plusieurs années. Cependant on ne peut que la respecter pour ses nouveaux choix courageux de faire face à ses démons et choisir d’être heureuse.

Leur relation est donc compliquée puisqu’ils étaient tous deux le premier amour de l’autre, l’âme sœur à qui ils s’ouvraient et confiant leurs secrets. Un événement tragique va les séparer, entrainant des conséquences désastreuses pour tous les deux et leurs proches. Peu à peu ils vont se donner une seconde chance, mais cela va devoir se payer le prix fort. Bien qu’il y ait une base sûre entre eux, des souvenirs joyeux, ils doivent tout reconstruire à zéro et faire face à différents obstacles et un adversaire de taille : le fiancé d’Alexa.

Laura Kaye s’attaque une fois de plus à plusieurs thèmes différents et durs, que ce soit la violence conjugale, la corruption ou la maladie mentale, rien ne l’arrête. Je trouve qu’en plus elle fait de façon juste, elle ne mâche pas ses mots et ses personnages vont en voir de toutes les couleurs. J’ai vraiment apprécié le couple Alexa/Maverick, même si j’avoue que j’ai guetté toutes les miettes sur Slider qui m’intrigue depuis le début. Il y avait du rythme du début à la fin avec les différentes activités des Raven Riders mais aussi les menaces du fiancé d’Alexa et la sensualité bien au rendez-vous avec notre petit couple.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....


Can I just say that I love Laura Kaye's books. I just can't help myself, the second I pick one up I know my day is shot. I just hate to put them down! She has a wonderful way of making your heart break and pissing you off!

Are you intrigued? You should be!

She's great at balancing suspense with romance. What I love is that you know her books are clocked full of suspense but the romance is still the important part of the story. It's one of the reasons I read her. The other reason is her wonderful guys!

They are some of the bests!

Ride Rough is book #2 of her Raven Riders series. I've mentioned before I'm not a fan at all of motorcycle gangs. Not my cup of tea. The only reason I tried this series is because of Kaye. I like her books so I thought I give it a try.

I'm so glad I did!

I found myself falling in love with the characters of this series. Yes, they all ride motorcycles and might do a few shady things, but they do such good for those who can't do for themselves.

Ride Rough is about Maverick and Alexa. This is a second chance romance. Love Maverick! He's such a great guy with a big heart. He's the type of guy you'd like to get to know.

Now Alexa is a different kettle of fish. I'm not sure if it's because she hurt Maverick that I don't care for her as much or what. I'm not saying she's a unlikable character, because I did like her, I just didn't love her. It happens!

Alexa has a tough time staying strong. She runs from confrontation instead of taking control of her own life. She's very lucky to have people who care about her to stand for her. Now don't get me wrong I did understand her. And I felt bad for her childhood. It must not be easy to grow up with a hoarder. I also know what it's like to be a people-pleaser. Not a easy!

Of course in the end all is well. It's what I love about romance books. I'm so glad I read this one and can't wait for the next.

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[Kay (❦ ᴗ ❦ ✿) BooksandMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:

“You. Us. A future. Our history, even the fucked-up parts.”

One of the reasons I don't read blurbs is I wanted to be surprised, especially when I'm reading a series I have my radar into. I was so excited it was Mav's story, and even more excited what's in store for this series.

I've been a Hard Ink fan, and every now and then, I wish I'd see read a glimpse of them and I always wish, there's some of them in the Raven Riders although that would mean bloody.

“To potect her, to comfort her, to be her shelter in the storm.”

Anyway, Maverick had that one person who got away, and when she showed up at that faithful day in Ride Hard (Raven Riders #1), all bets are off. He'd do anything to save her.

Alexa had been part of the big family that is Raven Riders Club, that is, until that love for riding took his brother away from her and everything came tumbling down for her. Left with a huge responsibility with her mother, she was forced to look for stability and security, even if she got her heart broken. With her wedding only a few weeks away, everything she thought she knew becomes warped and she had to rethink her choices, and had to make a decision fast.



I love both of the characters! Alexa's attraction for Mav never faded, and when she was forced to lean on him, the tension and the chemistry were just sizzling that falling for him fast and hard all over again was inevitable.

Mav was just Mav. Protective, loyal, and definitely mature! OMFG I so love him with all his faults and imprerfections!

The story may have been a little overwhelming with a lot going on but its my kind of story that I was just sucked in a world I love, and never wanting to get out!

“She breathed him in, her heart and her body recognizing his scent, all leather and soap and Maverick.”

Once again, Laura Kaye blew me away! This left me speechless and nostalgic and I just want to soak in and be left in the world I fell in love in! The characters just made me love them more!

I want more!

“You and me against the world.”

P.S. Never ride a motorcycle if its not with your man because no matter how innocent it is, people will still look at it like you're with that person. Also, the rumbling of the engine. Yeah. Makes me want a to ride a powerful motorcyle. *wink*

Books in the Hard Ink series (Not necessarily to be read before reading this book but these men are worth checking out!):


Raven Riders:
Hard as Steel (Hard Ink #4.5; Raven Riders 0.5; 1001 Dark Nights #26)
Ride Hard (Raven Riders, #1)
Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2)
Ride Wild (Raven Riders #3)




Check out my blog here:

[MountainKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4++ Stars*

Laura Kaye's writing works for me. I think I have loved everything I've read. This was no exception! I loved Mav and Alexa, loved seeing their second chance and loved their happy ending! I could feel their emotions and it was intense. I am looking forward to more - Laura Kaye, write faster!!

I listened to the audio with Abby Craden narration and enjoyed it.

ETA: There are lots of unanswered questions/issues at the end of this. I really hope they are answered in the next book!

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa wanted to have a great home,a awesome career and a great guy to love and just as she's about to have it all her fiancé grant starts showing his not so awesome side.he's a controlling, bully and has also become physically abusive.Alexa can't take it anymore and turns to her ex boyfriend raven rider maverick.Alexa didn't want to be a part of this world,but with dealing with a abusive fiance and a mother who is mentally ill ,she runs back to the one man who's always been a protector and been their for her. Laura kaye's characters are always real and her men are totally alpha take charge kind of guys.This book is a total thrill ride!!! Can't wait for the next chapter in this hot series!!!

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

“I thought I said you shouldn’t be keeping an eye on me?” Though she didn’t manage to put the heat behind the words she probably should have.
“I have a problem with listening,” he said with a smirk.
“No kidding.”

There’s just something about a good second chance love story that makes them so darn addicting and I have to say that Laura Kaye delivered a really great one with Maverick and Alexa! This second installment in the Raven Riders series was full of everything I’ve come to love from a Laura Kaye book, protective, alpha heroes and heroines that can more than hold their own against these guys, steam, brotherhood and danger. To me, the danger lurking in this book was far scarier this time around, I think, maybe, because it was so realistic and in those types of situations you just never know how things are going to go. Either way, it kept me on edge pretty much the entire time and I liked having that contrast to the sweet and steaminess of the love story that was playing out at the same time.

“You saved me tonight.”
“No,” he said, eyes flashing, one brow arched. “You saved yourself, Al. I was just your getaway driver.”

Five years ago, grief and confusion caused Alexa Harmon to push her first love Maverick Rylan away. Since that time she’s worked to build the kind of life she thought she always wanted, but when her seemingly perfect life starts to unravel and turn instead into a living nightmare, she turns to the only man she can think of for protection. When Alexa showed up on Mav’s doorstep again after all these years, a part of him that had been lying dormant for so long roared back to life and he knew that this time he would do whatever he had to do in order to protect her and keep her by his side. As the two begin to repair what went wrong five years earlier and start to look towards their future, they are faced with what might be their toughest fight yet to truly break Alexa free from her past.

This book picks up shortly after Ride Hard ends and if you read that book you might remember Alexa showing up at the Raven Riders’ clubhouse looking for help. It was alluded to in that book about the history between her and Maverick and in this book we get the rest of the story. The entire story is told present day, there are no flashbacks or anything, but I thought that Laura Kaye did an awesome job of establishing that history between them, I really got a sense for how much they loved each other and how hard it was for them when things ended several years earlier. Which made it all the better seeing those old feeling reignite and seeing how much each had grown in their time apart, which I think really helped lay the groundwork for the future they wanted to have together. I loved Maverick, he was protective and could be a little bossy but he was also so sweet and absolutely adored Alexa, even after everything they’d been through. I had no doubt that he would do absolutely anything for her. The kind of loyalty and love he had for her was really awesome. And Alexa was also great, she had a rough go of it and found herself in a nearly impossible situation but she didn’t let that get her down. She fought for what she wanted and she fought hard to get herself out. I really admired her strength in the face of all this. I think the thing I appreciated the most about these two was their open communication. There were no secrets or misunderstandings because they actually spoke and confided in one another and I really loved that the drama that occurred in this book was not a result of silly misunderstandings that could have easily been avoided. Pretty much from the get-go, they put on a united front and that was probably one of my favorite things about this book!

"Just you and me against the world."

As with the first book in this series, I loved the brotherhood that the Raven Riders represent and I love their protective mission. Some of their actions may be questionable, but when it comes down to what really matters, they’ve got their priorities straight. This series still has the edginess and danger that you’d expect from an MC series, but it’s this little bit extra that makes it really stand out from the rest. I really enjoyed this story and I am really looking forward to the next installment, I think that one is going to be an emotional rollercoaster and I can’t wait!

“…I made so many mistakes. And pushing you away was the biggest of them all.”

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
We saw Alexa Harmon show up briefly at the Raven Riders clubhouse in Ride Hard seeking help from her ex boyfriend and old friend, Club VP, Maverick Rylan. But she took off again and went back to her new life. Alexa resurfacing in Maverick's life brings out his need to protect her. So he is not going to let her disappear again without seeing if she is really okay.

Their history is twisted together. She was his late best friend's little sister, his friend, and the only girl he ever loved. She pushed him away during a difficult time and left him years ago searching for a more stable and safe life that did not involve a MC.

But now she has the rich fiance, big house, budding career, and elaborate wedding looming...but at what price? Her fiance, Grant, is a perfectionist at best, but really more controlling and manipulative. He makes her doubt herself and feel beholden to him. And Maverick can see clearly where Alexa is just starting to figure it out. And all Maverick cares about is her safety and happiness.

When the situation begins to escalate, Mav is determined to be her protector. And as Alex begins to see how differently Mav treats her, she starts to see more clearly where her apprehension about her previous life was coming from. Grant appeared to be the kind of man any woman would want and a safe bet, but appearances can be deceiving. And Mav seemed like more of a gamble in the past, but he is now proving he has her best interests at heart.

Five years ago she pushed him away and ran scared, and he didn't fight hard enough. But they've grown up a lot, seen what their lives are without each other, and she has seen a darker side of love. Her self worth and confidence have taken a hit. But Mav believes in her and wants to build her back up. And she is not only his one-that-got-away, but also a way for Mav to find redemption from past mistakes. Their connection and chemistry are stronger than ever. But by trying to reclaim her life, it might have repercussion for all of those they care about.

Grant has no intention of letting go easily and is not afraid to use any means and resources necessary to win. He already hated the Raven Riders before, and this just adds fuel to the fire.

Maverick is hot and alpha, sweet and swoony, patient and protective, loving and loyal. He is just everything you need in a hero and I adored him. Alexa is sassy and sweet and just coming back into her own. I really loved them together.

The Raven Riders are about family, brotherhood, loyalty, and protecting those that need it. I love their camaraderie and the feeling of home they provide. I enjoyed more with Dare and Haven, as well as the other side characters Slider, Cora, Phoenix, Caine, Jagger, and Bunny. There is plenty going on in their worlds. Alexa's mom is also an interesting character. The antagonist was enough to make me furious. And I always love when some Hard Ink is thrown in. The author gently reminded us about previous events so it was easy to get pulled back into the Raven Riders world. The characters feel real and have depth. I was actually surprised when I found I was at the last page, and would have like a bit more resolution of a few things, but I guess maybe we will see that in the next book, Ride Wild. I am so excited for the brooding widower Slider's story.

This is a suspenseful, passionate, intense second chance love story set in the Raven Riders world. It is a story of lost love, rekindled romance, and a fire that was never truly was extinguished. It is also Alexa's journey of finding herself, her inner strength, her self worth, and empowerment. They are both broken in ways and want to help put each other together again. But there is plenty of danger, drama, and surprises that they will have to face and try to get through...and people and circumstances that could tear them apart again. It is definitely a rough ride for these two, but the ultimate reward could be a chance of hope, healing, and reclaiming what they lost.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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[CatherineAA · Rating 4 out of 5]

RIDE ROUGH embodies all that is raw, beautiful and sometimes painful about love: passion, emotion, vulnerability. It was both fun and sometimes hard to read because of the domestic violence angle, but for the most part I loved it. The chemistry between these two characters was electric and their feelings for each other powerful enough to overcome any obstacles or issues.

Alexa Harmon turned her back on the only family she had and walked away from the man she loved when her brother died and has since tried to build a better life for herself. Now she has everything she ever wanted - a good job, a wealthy and powerful fiancé and a beautiful home. Or does she? Alexa is slowly realizing that all those trappings of success conceal something very ugly that she needs to escape and only one person is ever ready to help her: the man whose heart she broke.

Maverick Rylan didn't fight hard to keep the only woman who owns his heart but it doesn't mean he hasn't been keeping an eye on her and when she needs help escaping her abusive fiancé, he's more than willing to help. And maybe get another chance to fight for her and show her what a good man looks like.

Maverick ran away with the show on this one! He was a really great and caring guy and also very perceptive as his handling of Alexa shows. He didn't crowd her or take over but supported her decisions and gave her a nudge when she was waffling on what she wanted.

Alexa however, I was not really a fan of, at least in the beginning. She came across as grasping and something of an opportunist, willing to turn a blind eye to character flaws in exchange for material comfort. While I admire her for getting out when she did, standing up to her ex and owning up to her missteps with Maverick, my initial impression stayed with me for the entire story and affected my feelings towards her, especially when Maverick's selfless concern for her was compared to her ex's controlling behavior as well as her reasons for breaking up with him. Walking away from a good guy who loves you because of the outward appearances is a stupid decision!

I have a very short list of authors whose biker romances are a must read for me and Ms. Kaye is on it. Her twist on the MC sub-genre is one I loved from the first book and still do. I love all the details that went into laying the foundation for Maverick and Alexa's story. I also love how the club and its activities were a central part of this story, even if mostly in the background.

If you are looking for an MC story that mostly departs from the norm, this is the perfect book to start with.


Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.



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[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maverick, the Raven Riders VP, has only loved one woman since he was a teenager, his best friend's sister, Alexa. However, when his best friend died five years ago, Alexa left, taking his heart with her. He tried to move on, unsuccessfully so, and instead concentrates on helping women in child out of dangerous situations, such as he and his Mom experienced.

Alexa loved Maverick with all that she was, but her brother's death and the circumstances behind it, leave her in fear for Maverick's life as well. In an attempt to save herself, and find the stability she never experienced at home, she runs...into a dangerous situation.

Five years have passed, but the moment Maverick and Alexa see each other again, it's obvious the love never faded. However, it's obvious to Maverick that Alexa needs protection, as evidenced by the injuries to her face, and he vows to be that and more...he'll be her forever.

It won't be that easy though as the person responsible is Alexa's fiance, Grant, and the wedding is drawing closer. Alexa, even knowing something is seriously wrong in their relationship, still has some denial to work through in regards to it, as well as other issues stemming from her childhood. The one thing she does know is that her biggest mistake may just have been leaving Maverick, and his was letting her go. But now Maverick offers Alexa the escape she needs to free herself from her abusive fiance, and as they work to keep her safe, forced into close proximity for one another, their passion and love for one another begins to burn brighter than ever before.

Can Maverick and Alexa work through their issues, both as a couple and individually? Is Alexa safe? Can Maverick ensure she is, physically and emotionally? Will these two realize that now is their time to begin that forever they were always meant to have? Is there a HEA waiting for them?

One-click now and follow along as two hearts are made whole again as they're pieced back together upon being reunited with one another.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers were left with some questions about Maverick and Alexa after book 1. It was great to see them heal and move forward together.

Great MC in this series. A bit above the law but with a golden heart toward serving those less fortunate. Love them all. As always, we get a bit of suspense and action thrown in with the romance. I also love all the women connected to this group of rough and tumble men. Lots of strength on their own but even better with their loves.

Looking forward to more from this author. Great series so far.!