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Steel Bones Motorcycle Club #2
Nickel's Story
He can’t stop watching. I’m tired of waiting. Which one of us is gonna break first?
Story
I’ve been in love with Nickel Kobald since I was fifteen. I know what he is—a biker with almost a decade on me and one hell of an anger management problem—but to me? He’s the one. Night after night, though, I’m dancing up on the stage alone. How much longer is he just gonna watch from the shadows? And how much longer can my heart stand to wait?
Nickel
I’ve turned down Story Jenkins a hundred times. She’s a happy hippy with eyes like an anime babe and curves for days. She’s perfect, but she ain’t for me. I can’t be trusted with nice things. I wreck ’em. Not by choice. It’s how I was made, and now, it’s what I am.
When old enemies roar back into town—threatening my club and the girl I don’t dare claim—I’m in for the fight of my life. My fists are all I got, and I’m afraid that this time? Fists aren’t gonna be enough to stop the past from tearing apart everything I love.
Nickel’s Story is a 68,000-word older man/younger woman motorcycle club romance. It’s the second book in the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club series, but it can be read out of order. This novel is intended for adult readers (18+) due to strong language, violence, triggers, and explicit intimate scenes.
Standalone. Safe. HEA.
Story
I’ve been in love with Nickel Kobald since I was fifteen. I know what he is—a biker with almost a decade on me and one hell of an anger management problem—but to me? He’s the one. Night after night, though, I’m dancing up on the stage alone. How much longer is he just gonna watch from the shadows? And how much longer can my heart stand to wait?
Nickel
I’ve turned down Story Jenkins a hundred times. She’s a happy hippy with eyes like an anime babe and curves for days. She’s perfect, but she ain’t for me. I can’t be trusted with nice things. I wreck ’em. Not by choice. It’s how I was made, and now, it’s what I am.
When old enemies roar back into town—threatening my club and the girl I don’t dare claim—I’m in for the fight of my life. My fists are all I got, and I’m afraid that this time? Fists aren’t gonna be enough to stop the past from tearing apart everything I love.
Nickel’s Story is a 68,000-word older man/younger woman motorcycle club romance. It’s the second book in the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club series, but it can be read out of order. This novel is intended for adult readers (18+) due to strong language, violence, triggers, and explicit intimate scenes.
Standalone. Safe. HEA.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
1004 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
About the author
Cate C. Wells
28 books3,064 followersCATE C. WELLS writes gut-wrenching paranormal and contemporary romance. Whatever the world, readers can expect character-driven stories that are raw, real, and emotionally satisfying. Cate's into messy love, flaws, long roads to redemption, grace, and happy ever after, in fiction and in life.
As well as books, Cate has collected a husband, two daughters, and a cat along the way. She lives in Baltimore when she’s not out exploring with the family.
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As well as books, Cate has collected a husband, two daughters, and a cat along the way. She lives in Baltimore when she’s not out exploring with the family.
Want a heads up on new releases and bonus content? Sign up for Cate's newsletter at catecwells.com
Facebook: @catecwells
IG: @authorcatecwells
TT: @authorcatecwells
Threads: @authorcatecwells
Bookbub: @catecwells
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
August 28, 2022
4 Mister Tall, Dark, and Homicidal Stars ⭐
This author impresses me at every turn. Apart from getting me to binge read an MC series, she manages to bring something original to each story. Also where I generally focus on the heroes, it was our heroine Story that stole my heart. She provides magic to cliche.
I’m the kind of weed that sprouts in concrete and makes a crazy bid for the sun. It’s kind of stupid, straining for something you should know better than to want, but no one ever accused me of being too bright.
Story may have been labelled 'not very bright', yet she has more depth than anyone gives her credit for. And if anyone can tame the loose cannon that is Nickel, it's definitely her. Unfortunately, Nickel is not budging on the matter. He would never be good enough for her. Even if Story has loved him for years.
“You’re settin’ yourself up for a disappointment, little girl.”
“Maybe. You should let me find out for myself.”
Story and Nickel are white trash and so what? You don't get to choose the hand you're dealt. Some people survive unscathed where others spend years battling their demons. Nickel is a biker with anger management issues surpassing scary, and Story is a stripper. Very unoriginal until you meet these two.
Here's the thing. You can't make someone love you. Trust me, Story has been trying for years. And just when you think Nickel has broken her goodness once and for all, she goes and does the unthinkable. She perseveres. Now, if this was real life, she should have run for the hills. Truthfully, Nickel is one fucked up individual. He is almost impossible to love
You’re perfect. This is perfect. Every time you’re around, it hurts to take my eyes off you. And it ain’t ‘cause of your body, which is perfect, but ‘cause there ain’t anything in the world that makes me feel the way I do when I look at you.”
I'm divided because like the previous books I was invested but intellectually, I was uncomfortable with wanting love to blossom between these two since Nickel was so volatile. However, since this is not my real life and I'm an eternal optimist, I'm glad that Nickel had Story got their happiness. Nickel's Story was not white picket fence material. It was raw, troubled and imperfect. 🖤
This author impresses me at every turn. Apart from getting me to binge read an MC series, she manages to bring something original to each story. Also where I generally focus on the heroes, it was our heroine Story that stole my heart. She provides magic to cliche.
I’m the kind of weed that sprouts in concrete and makes a crazy bid for the sun. It’s kind of stupid, straining for something you should know better than to want, but no one ever accused me of being too bright.
Story may have been labelled 'not very bright', yet she has more depth than anyone gives her credit for. And if anyone can tame the loose cannon that is Nickel, it's definitely her. Unfortunately, Nickel is not budging on the matter. He would never be good enough for her. Even if Story has loved him for years.
“You’re settin’ yourself up for a disappointment, little girl.”
“Maybe. You should let me find out for myself.”
Story and Nickel are white trash and so what? You don't get to choose the hand you're dealt. Some people survive unscathed where others spend years battling their demons. Nickel is a biker with anger management issues surpassing scary, and Story is a stripper. Very unoriginal until you meet these two.
Here's the thing. You can't make someone love you. Trust me, Story has been trying for years. And just when you think Nickel has broken her goodness once and for all, she goes and does the unthinkable. She perseveres. Now, if this was real life, she should have run for the hills. Truthfully, Nickel is one fucked up individual. He is almost impossible to love
You’re perfect. This is perfect. Every time you’re around, it hurts to take my eyes off you. And it ain’t ‘cause of your body, which is perfect, but ‘cause there ain’t anything in the world that makes me feel the way I do when I look at you.”
I'm divided because like the previous books I was invested but intellectually, I was uncomfortable with wanting love to blossom between these two since Nickel was so volatile. However, since this is not my real life and I'm an eternal optimist, I'm glad that Nickel had Story got their happiness. Nickel's Story was not white picket fence material. It was raw, troubled and imperfect. 🖤
September 20, 2021
DNF @ 94%
I should fully disclose that I'm not a huge fan of MC romance. I don't hate them, I truly enjoyed some in the past but they're not my go to in romance.
With that being said, I was agreeably surprised some days ago with the first book in this series and had a mind to see if the following books were any good.
Eh... Nickel's Story wasn't anything like the previous book so no surprise here if I've had trouble finishing it. I actually haven't finished it, I stopped at 94% and I think I was ready to DNF a while back but I kept hoping for more since I loved the previous book so much? Sigh.
I couldn't even be bothered to know if the heroine, Story, would get out unscathed from her situation or if Nickel would truly gets his shit together at some point.
ONE thing appealed to me and that was the opposites attract/love unrequited trope mentioned in the blurb. Did I feel like this book delivered on this promise? NOPE.
Yes, the romance interests were wildy different but nothing stemmed from this. I had hoped for some sweet and delicious angst from the enormous—and frankly dubious— case of love unrequited Story carried throughout the book for Nickel but NOPE, we just get Nickel casually rejecting all/any attempts from her to catch his attention and the heroine never getting any wiser about it but that was her predominant character's trait, so I guess that was reliable portrayal.
At some point Nickel finally caves and then things get AWKWARD as fuck. Just unpleasant. I'm all for some filthy sex, especially so in a MC theme romance, but this energy—if we even can call it that, they sure as hell weren't sharing chemistry—between them was all wrong.
I did like Story's mother in this book, she was an interesting and colorful character, the rest though? Meh. Club matters remained unsubstantial to me and my eyes glazed over the MC rival club's entanglements.
I'm looking forward to read Plum's story though (book 4), I've heard good things about this one so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and will be skipping book 3 in this series.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
I should fully disclose that I'm not a huge fan of MC romance. I don't hate them, I truly enjoyed some in the past but they're not my go to in romance.
With that being said, I was agreeably surprised some days ago with the first book in this series and had a mind to see if the following books were any good.
Eh... Nickel's Story wasn't anything like the previous book so no surprise here if I've had trouble finishing it. I actually haven't finished it, I stopped at 94% and I think I was ready to DNF a while back but I kept hoping for more since I loved the previous book so much? Sigh.
I couldn't even be bothered to know if the heroine, Story, would get out unscathed from her situation or if Nickel would truly gets his shit together at some point.
ONE thing appealed to me and that was the opposites attract/love unrequited trope mentioned in the blurb. Did I feel like this book delivered on this promise? NOPE.
Yes, the romance interests were wildy different but nothing stemmed from this. I had hoped for some sweet and delicious angst from the enormous—and frankly dubious— case of love unrequited Story carried throughout the book for Nickel but NOPE, we just get Nickel casually rejecting all/any attempts from her to catch his attention and the heroine never getting any wiser about it but that was her predominant character's trait, so I guess that was reliable portrayal.
At some point Nickel finally caves and then things get AWKWARD as fuck. Just unpleasant. I'm all for some filthy sex, especially so in a MC theme romance, but this energy—if we even can call it that, they sure as hell weren't sharing chemistry—between them was all wrong.
I did like Story's mother in this book, she was an interesting and colorful character, the rest though? Meh. Club matters remained unsubstantial to me and my eyes glazed over the MC rival club's entanglements.
I'm looking forward to read Plum's story though (book 4), I've heard good things about this one so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and will be skipping book 3 in this series.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
September 12, 2023
The jury is still out on whether Story is super naive or just super optimistic, whatever she is I liked her very much indeed. Not beautiful, clever or rich, this made her even more endearing - who wants to read about a heroine who makes us feel inferior? Story's Ma hadn't always been the greatest but they loved one another and I appreciated how the author didn't go down cliched routes with this either.
Nickel was such a white knight in tarnished armour who couldn't see the good in himself that was obvious to everyone else. Initially, I thought he would be saved purely by the love of a (very) good woman. Again this author defied my expectations and gave us a much more realistic approach to his eventual healing. It was so refreshing to have a somewhat inexperienced guy too.
There is a fair amount of push-and-pull angst in the opening chapters, with some flashbacks of a younger Story's attempts to catch Nickel's eye. I thoroughly enjoyed the tension and heart-aching, unrequited longing. Once Nickel gives in to his attraction towards Story things rapidly heat up but then implode equally quickly. I adored Nickel's texts to Story, a man of not many words but the few he shared made me fall in love with him. They were soulmates who shared a love that could span the aeons, along with an attraction hot enough to melt my kindle.
The backstory involving the Rebel Raiders was further developed and we learned more about what had triggered the feud. I am totally invested in these guys and can't wait to read the next book.
Nickel was such a white knight in tarnished armour who couldn't see the good in himself that was obvious to everyone else. Initially, I thought he would be saved purely by the love of a (very) good woman. Again this author defied my expectations and gave us a much more realistic approach to his eventual healing. It was so refreshing to have a somewhat inexperienced guy too.
There is a fair amount of push-and-pull angst in the opening chapters, with some flashbacks of a younger Story's attempts to catch Nickel's eye. I thoroughly enjoyed the tension and heart-aching, unrequited longing. Once Nickel gives in to his attraction towards Story things rapidly heat up but then implode equally quickly. I adored Nickel's texts to Story, a man of not many words but the few he shared made me fall in love with him. They were soulmates who shared a love that could span the aeons, along with an attraction hot enough to melt my kindle.
The backstory involving the Rebel Raiders was further developed and we learned more about what had triggered the feud. I am totally invested in these guys and can't wait to read the next book.
May 10, 2022
This is the second book in this MC series and is Nickel and Story’s tale. I liked how opposite these two where she’s literally sunshine to his scowls both forces of nature but In entirely different ways. They are literally opposite ends of the spectrum. For years Story has had her sights set on acquiring Nickels regard. He saved her from the unwanted attentions of some high school jocks back when she was in school and ever since she’s wanted him for her own.
Nickel was dragged up his father and brothers all of them abusive and totally bad news his upbringing has certainly left its mark and he suffers from an explosive temper which erupts over the slightest thing. As much as he is drawn towards Story he also believes she’s too good for him. But he can’t help watching from the sidelines her presence alone is enough to quiet his loud demons.
Nickel is older than Story by about ten years roughly. Her mother was a club girl so she’s grown up and is comfortable hanging around the MC. Struggling in school Story isn’t book smart but she does love to dance it’s her passion and working as a stripper puts her talents to good use it also throws her directly in Nickel's path and he’s not happy about her choice of employment.
Nickel does take some coaxing to even consider taking Story as his old lady. He’s terrified of in some way unintentionally hurting her when his temper explodes he’s so blinkered here he fails to see that he is different from his family a protector rather than an abuser. He’s not really a lady's man which I did appreciate and is lacking any experience in relationships he wants Story but knows deep down if they have any chance he needs to work on his own internal anger and demons.
This was an enjoyable read Nickel could get a bit frustrating in his quest to push away Story away but I did like him even when he constantly self sabotages. There’s danger and heat and this one is more firmly set within the MC world itself having a different overall vibe to its predecessor.
It was a decent addition to the series and though I’ve rated them the same this had a slight edge over the first book for me. As usual, the writing was excellent and I found myself easily engaged overall it was an easy read. I myself do prefer this author's plain contemporary and paranormal reads but this is still decent and I will finish the series.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
March 7, 2022
Another terrific and entertaining addition to the Steel Bones series. An age gap romance and a hero who needs do a lot of work to win the heroine. Nickel did just that but it took time before he got his act together. Story is nine years younger and has since she was fifteen has a huge crush on Nickel who also has an eye on her. But he keeps his distance the best he knows how until she legal but also because he doesn’t think he’s worthy of Story. His childhood has revolved around violence and that has left a mark on him. His “ugly” side keeps telling him he’s no good but Story is his anchor and doesn’t give up.
Story and Nickel have their struggles and I commend Story for her persistence cause Nickel is one messed up dude. Fab chemistry and steam. More depth and answers to the side characters which only makes me more excited to continue on with the series.
4 Anchor Stars
Story and Nickel have their struggles and I commend Story for her persistence cause Nickel is one messed up dude. Fab chemistry and steam. More depth and answers to the side characters which only makes me more excited to continue on with the series.
4 Anchor Stars
April 22, 2024
Nice place filler.
H is emotionally stunted, and when the H isn't tossing Harley Fatboy's and depriving people of their teeth, the dancing little Daisy heroine simply jetes and pirouettes over bad guys. Well, it is fiction after all.
Story has been crushing on Nickel forever, and he, of course, has been pushing her away with the bog standard means of faking a relationship with a skanky ho, being mean, and telling her how no good he is. Man has NO social skills and not much game.
This says it all. I love that line.
But thinkin’ about how he kissed me at first—like a raccoon gettin’ in a trash can—I can kind of see it. He’s not exactly smooth.
H is emotionally stunted, and when the H isn't tossing Harley Fatboy's and depriving people of their teeth, the dancing little Daisy heroine simply jetes and pirouettes over bad guys. Well, it is fiction after all.
Story has been crushing on Nickel forever, and he, of course, has been pushing her away with the bog standard means of faking a relationship with a skanky ho, being mean, and telling her how no good he is. Man has NO social skills and not much game.
This says it all. I love that line.
But thinkin’ about how he kissed me at first—like a raccoon gettin’ in a trash can—I can kind of see it. He’s not exactly smooth.
December 16, 2024
Reread just because, loved it just as much
Spoilers ahead
At 15 years old Story is saved by Nickel from some boys who were assaulting her, from then she fell in love with him. Years later she's a stripper and she's tried all manner of ways to get his attention
Nickel has had a truly brutal upbringing now he's known for raging out. He knows Story wants him but he also knows he no good for her
He willingly hurts her feelings to get her to back off but is unable to deal with her hurting
When the MC's business puts Story in danger however all bets are off
*******
Whew this was a wild ride, Nickel desperately needed professional help and thankfully he ends up getting that.
No "cheating"
They've wanted each other for years but he's rebuffed all her advances. This is something I usually hate but whew this boy needed to get his head together first
Story's been with 2 other guys
Nickel has also slept with others but it's not rubbed in the reader's face
Violence
He punches a wall and Story is almost hurt Which finally leads him to getting help
Spoilers ahead
At 15 years old Story is saved by Nickel from some boys who were assaulting her, from then she fell in love with him. Years later she's a stripper and she's tried all manner of ways to get his attention
Nickel has had a truly brutal upbringing now he's known for raging out. He knows Story wants him but he also knows he no good for her
He willingly hurts her feelings to get her to back off but is unable to deal with her hurting
When the MC's business puts Story in danger however all bets are off
*******
Whew this was a wild ride, Nickel desperately needed professional help and thankfully he ends up getting that.
No "cheating"
They've wanted each other for years but he's rebuffed all her advances. This is something I usually hate but whew this boy needed to get his head together first
Story's been with 2 other guys
Nickel has also slept with others but it's not rubbed in the reader's face
Violence
He punches a wall and Story is almost hurt Which finally leads him to getting help
Want to read
September 10, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/16/2019)! 🎁
October 19, 2022
I was uncomfortable in the first few chapters, especially as Story is just 15 when we meet her and already obsessed with Nickel. She plays a dangerous game, trying to tempt him throughout her teens, and I was like eeeek I don't know if I can personally handle this, but in the end I'm glad I stuck it out because this book does so much interesting work.
Cate C Wells writes such excellent, grittily realistic romances that I'm never sure if I'm going to buy the HEA but somehow she always gets us there as readers. Nickel has some very scary and troubling anger problems, and I deeply appreciate the work he did before he and Story could find their HEA (with the hope they both continue to do the work after too).
Story is a sex worker, a stripper, and I also appreciated the no shame attitude that permeated the book about this, while also acknowledging the dangers the profession can have (and some jealousy issues but handled well). Plus, Story is a smart cookie, but not in a book smarts way, nor always in a life smarts way, but she does what she feels she needs to do. Nickel is also not a genius, and I find it refreshing to see characters like this; not everyone is a manic pixie brain you know?
Let me tell you, I do want Story's mom's story about how she fell in the love with the short, hairy, chubby jewish dentist who secretly fixes the motorcycle club members' teeth at his mansion (even though i detest dentists irl lmao). The author doesn't sugarcoat the trauma caused by Story's mother's backstory, but also allows grace and forgiveness without excusing it.
I dunno, I could say so much more, but I need to sit with my thinky thoughts. Please see Leigh Kramer's excellent review for both a full list of content notes (of which there are MANY) and just a great analysis of the text.
Cate C Wells writes such excellent, grittily realistic romances that I'm never sure if I'm going to buy the HEA but somehow she always gets us there as readers. Nickel has some very scary and troubling anger problems, and I deeply appreciate the work he did before he and Story could find their HEA (with the hope they both continue to do the work after too).
Story is a sex worker, a stripper, and I also appreciated the no shame attitude that permeated the book about this, while also acknowledging the dangers the profession can have (and some jealousy issues but handled well). Plus, Story is a smart cookie, but not in a book smarts way, nor always in a life smarts way, but she does what she feels she needs to do. Nickel is also not a genius, and I find it refreshing to see characters like this; not everyone is a manic pixie brain you know?
Let me tell you, I do want Story's mom's story about how she fell in the love with the short, hairy, chubby jewish dentist who secretly fixes the motorcycle club members' teeth at his mansion (even though i detest dentists irl lmao). The author doesn't sugarcoat the trauma caused by Story's mother's backstory, but also allows grace and forgiveness without excusing it.
I dunno, I could say so much more, but I need to sit with my thinky thoughts. Please see Leigh Kramer's excellent review for both a full list of content notes (of which there are MANY) and just a great analysis of the text.
March 30, 2022
Enjoyable story. I didn't like this one quite as much as I did Charge's story, but Nickel's story was pretty decent none the less.
February 10, 2022
This book is so different from the first in the series, which I read last year! It’s much darker, digging a little deeper into the MC stuff and they’re dealing with their rivalry with another motorcycle club. Despite Nickel’s darkness, he isn’t as unredeemable as he seems to think he is. Everyone thinks he’s too far gone, except for Story, who has an inexplicable unwavering faith in him. I loved the personal growth for his character, and it’s clear that Cate C. Wells is a master storyteller. One thing I love about her books is just how real the characters are. The heroes and heroines are never perfect. In this book, Story clearly has a learning disability, and it shines through in just how much she’s struggling with reading and focusing on her textbooks for community college.
Well, now I have a new series to obsess over!
Well, now I have a new series to obsess over!
October 27, 2021
I really enjoy this author’s writing and have decided I must finish this series. Nothing has topped Run, Posy, Run for me yet, but I really enjoy the thoughtful details, character development, and witty banter this author imbues into her stories. I really felt for Nickel and his poor mom. I really liked Story’s character. If it had a bit more angst it’d be 5 stars.
August 5, 2021
What is it about CCW’s writing that works so well for me? They suck me in every time with such a rich sense of place and character and I'm able to overlook the parts that don't work as well. I am shocked by how much I loved this one. I wouldn't have told Story to hang in there for Nickel in real life—his anger issues are no joke—but the author did a great job with Nickel's arc and working through his trauma and figuring out better coping skills. His MC brothers suggested he get help! I about fainted. It’s always great to see on-page therapy. Story was a great character in her own right, a literal stripper with a heart of gold with dreams and joy all her own. Her crush on Nickel lasted years longer than it ever should (the pining!) but I wound up really loving the way they took care of each other, especially once Nickel started to believe he deserved to be loved. Also
There are still aspects of the MC that trouble me and I don’t think that’s ever going to change unless we start hearing more about the decision to go legit and what other things differentiate them from the 1 percenters. This is a very white world and in an MC book that makes me wonder about their beliefs about white supremacy. On the other hand, however, this also explores the idea of blood brothers vs MC brothers. I really loved how this brotherhood accepted Nickel’s limitations and also, eventually, called him to be better and rise to the occasion. Given his upbringing, he really needed people in his corner and I’m glad he had them.
Character notes: Nickel is a white 30 year old MC enforcer and ex-con. Story is a white 21 year old stripper and dance instructor. This is set in Petty’s Mill, PA.
Content notes: MMC has major anger issues, violence, shooting, , threatened sexual assault, past sexual assault , physical assault, bar brawl, brother went to prison for intimate partner violence (she had a miscarriage from a previous incident), father abused mom, past child physical abuse, mom was an addict, motorcycle accident, on page sex, broken condom, alcohol, cigars, ableism (MMC is referred to as “not right in the head”, crazy, etc.), small penis jokes/comments, STD joke, female pejoratives, male pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language about suicide, MMC recounts accidentally killing his pet goldfish when he was in a rage as a child, possible learning disability for FMC (always in remedial reading classes growing up), FMC’s mother had her at age 16, reference to past break in at bar, reference to past attack on MC member (baseball bat to head) and employee (unspecified violence)
There are still aspects of the MC that trouble me and I don’t think that’s ever going to change unless we start hearing more about the decision to go legit and what other things differentiate them from the 1 percenters. This is a very white world and in an MC book that makes me wonder about their beliefs about white supremacy. On the other hand, however, this also explores the idea of blood brothers vs MC brothers. I really loved how this brotherhood accepted Nickel’s limitations and also, eventually, called him to be better and rise to the occasion. Given his upbringing, he really needed people in his corner and I’m glad he had them.
Character notes: Nickel is a white 30 year old MC enforcer and ex-con. Story is a white 21 year old stripper and dance instructor. This is set in Petty’s Mill, PA.
Content notes: MMC has major anger issues, violence, shooting, , threatened sexual assault, past sexual assault , physical assault, bar brawl, brother went to prison for intimate partner violence (she had a miscarriage from a previous incident), father abused mom, past child physical abuse, mom was an addict, motorcycle accident, on page sex, broken condom, alcohol, cigars, ableism (MMC is referred to as “not right in the head”, crazy, etc.), small penis jokes/comments, STD joke, female pejoratives, male pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language about suicide, MMC recounts accidentally killing his pet goldfish when he was in a rage as a child, possible learning disability for FMC (always in remedial reading classes growing up), FMC’s mother had her at age 16, reference to past break in at bar, reference to past attack on MC member (baseball bat to head) and employee (unspecified violence)
January 9, 2022
Well done MC romance. First person present POV.
March 18, 2022
I reallllly liked this one. The hero has so much to work through and his silent staring/brooding/more staring worked for me. I adored the heroine too. CW: sexual assault at the beginning of the book.
April 10, 2022
I'm currently building an altar so I can worship this author as she deserves. This short book packs a huge emotional punch. I loved the first book but this one...oh Nickel!!!
Nickel is clearly unhinged, a near-feral man with uncontrollable violent impulses and anger issues. Everyone believes him to be a rabid junkyard dog but Story. Story Jenkins has loved Nickel since she was a teenager. She isn't afraid of him and she knows that he's the good guy no matter what anyone says:
"He’s still a violent motherfucker, and he’s still got the purest heart I’ve ever seen.”
Story is a stripper and she loves her job because she loves to dance. She's sweetness personified and she refuses to give up on Nickel. He has a medical-grade case of I'm not worthy of this angel. But he can't stay away. So what does he do? Reader, he goes to therapy. Even though he thinks he's beyond help 🤧 He does it for her and it's just the sweetest goddamn thing ever. I am complete trash for a good character arc and Nickel's is sublime.
"i just need you to know im trying i dont know what to do to fix this but id do anything for you so ill try this"
*sigh*
I don't particularly love MC romance. But this series is what I call MC Lite. Sounds like a rapper from the 90s but it's the best way to describe it. There is a lot of MC action but it's peripheral and in the background. The love story is always front and center. The MC is more like a big extended family. There's violence but it's minimal and not super descriptive. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-developed romance that will sucker punch your feels every other page. I live for that emotional payoff and this book delivers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
This is peak grumpy/sunshine.
Age gap
Found family
Big gesture
Pining
Nickel is clearly unhinged, a near-feral man with uncontrollable violent impulses and anger issues. Everyone believes him to be a rabid junkyard dog but Story. Story Jenkins has loved Nickel since she was a teenager. She isn't afraid of him and she knows that he's the good guy no matter what anyone says:
"He’s still a violent motherfucker, and he’s still got the purest heart I’ve ever seen.”
Story is a stripper and she loves her job because she loves to dance. She's sweetness personified and she refuses to give up on Nickel. He has a medical-grade case of I'm not worthy of this angel. But he can't stay away. So what does he do? Reader, he goes to therapy. Even though he thinks he's beyond help 🤧 He does it for her and it's just the sweetest goddamn thing ever. I am complete trash for a good character arc and Nickel's is sublime.
"i just need you to know im trying i dont know what to do to fix this but id do anything for you so ill try this"
*sigh*
I don't particularly love MC romance. But this series is what I call MC Lite. Sounds like a rapper from the 90s but it's the best way to describe it. There is a lot of MC action but it's peripheral and in the background. The love story is always front and center. The MC is more like a big extended family. There's violence but it's minimal and not super descriptive. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-developed romance that will sucker punch your feels every other page. I live for that emotional payoff and this book delivers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
This is peak grumpy/sunshine.
Age gap
Found family
Big gesture
Pining
November 21, 2021
Damn I loved this with every bit of my heart. And it’s a hard sell. Nickel Kobald is a dangerously aggressive man, ruled by anger and fear after a life of abuse and violence. When Story Jenkins starts crushing on him she’s only very young, completely naive to the real risk she takes by trying to get close to him. They dance around each other for years - Story hopefully pining, Nickel resisting his increasing desire to get closer to her. Watching them finally come together, and especially seeing how Nickel works on himself to get control of his anger is absolutely delicious. Cate C Wells pulls off another seemingly impossible HEA by the end.
Of course, it’s still a motorcycle club romance, so it’s violent and nasty in parts, and sexism is built into the culture. That’s tempered for me because I find the found family aspect of the brothers’ relationships with each other powerful. The context pushes the stakes super high for a contemporary and watching them love each other through loyalty, faith and trust is…I don’t know… it’s a kind of magic. But your mileage may vary.
CWs: there are a lot, and as always I recommend Leigh’s comprehensive list: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Of course, it’s still a motorcycle club romance, so it’s violent and nasty in parts, and sexism is built into the culture. That’s tempered for me because I find the found family aspect of the brothers’ relationships with each other powerful. The context pushes the stakes super high for a contemporary and watching them love each other through loyalty, faith and trust is…I don’t know… it’s a kind of magic. But your mileage may vary.
CWs: there are a lot, and as always I recommend Leigh’s comprehensive list: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 13, 2022
Really good. The only reason it didn't get a 5 star is because once in a while it would start to drag and I wanted to know what she did about classes.
Nickel has anger issues and that's an understatement. His room at the club house only has a bed because he smashed everything else up. His whole family was that way except his mom but she ended up with other issues. He's dad was a real piece of work. His folks had all boys and each one is an abuser except Nickel and that's because he doesn't allow anyone to get close enough. He has been Story's protector ever since she was fifteen. Nothing happened between them but he has kept her safe from others and herself.
Story has had a crush on Nickel for too long now. Except for keeping her safe he has never showed interest. She did let him know how she felt but he threw it back in her face. Nobody that came from such ugly deserves something so sweet. Can't live with her and can't live without her. Guess he needs to find a place for the ugly to go. Can a leopard change it's spots??
Nickel has anger issues and that's an understatement. His room at the club house only has a bed because he smashed everything else up. His whole family was that way except his mom but she ended up with other issues. He's dad was a real piece of work. His folks had all boys and each one is an abuser except Nickel and that's because he doesn't allow anyone to get close enough. He has been Story's protector ever since she was fifteen. Nothing happened between them but he has kept her safe from others and herself.
Story has had a crush on Nickel for too long now. Except for keeping her safe he has never showed interest. She did let him know how she felt but he threw it back in her face. Nobody that came from such ugly deserves something so sweet. Can't live with her and can't live without her. Guess he needs to find a place for the ugly to go. Can a leopard change it's spots??
December 27, 2020
2 stars
Not a fan at all. Story was an absolute idiot who had zero survival instincts. Like every decision she made, made me want to punch her in the throat. Then you have Nickel who was just a whiny little bitch, like we all have our demons but he used his as an excuse to push everyone away. Acted like he was the only one who has ever been through shit. These characters had zero chemistry and the sex scenes were so AWKWARD and CRINGY! And some of the descriptions the author used during those scenes made me want to gag. I’m alll for smutty books but at least try and make it hot. I definitely hated this one a lot more than the first book.
2/10 would never recommend
Not a fan at all. Story was an absolute idiot who had zero survival instincts. Like every decision she made, made me want to punch her in the throat. Then you have Nickel who was just a whiny little bitch, like we all have our demons but he used his as an excuse to push everyone away. Acted like he was the only one who has ever been through shit. These characters had zero chemistry and the sex scenes were so AWKWARD and CRINGY! And some of the descriptions the author used during those scenes made me want to gag. I’m alll for smutty books but at least try and make it hot. I definitely hated this one a lot more than the first book.
2/10 would never recommend
February 15, 2022
I am on a Cate C. Wells binge and I regret nothing. While this wasn’t my favorite, I still really liked it. My only complaint was that it felt really rushed at times and I would’ve liked more times with the characters. But, still an awesome story!
September 21, 2022
“Nickel’s Story” by Cate C. Wells
3⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
A mini review:
“He fights himself over me, and it breaks my heart, and it turns me on, and it’s so fucked up.”
This is the second book in the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club series, focusing on Nickel and Story.
-I didn’t find Nickel and Story’s relationship to be very healthy, and I think by the end of the book everything felt rushed. If there were more time devoted to them and not outside conflicts, perhaps I would feel different. There were so many external events happening that had nothing to do with the character development of Nickel and Story, and it started to take away from the romance subplot.
-I think Nickel only scratched the surface of his anger management, I just don’t buy into him making the necessary changes to have a healthy relationship with Story. I’m not saying he’s abusive toward Story, but I needed him to put in more work.
3⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
A mini review:
“He fights himself over me, and it breaks my heart, and it turns me on, and it’s so fucked up.”
This is the second book in the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club series, focusing on Nickel and Story.
-I didn’t find Nickel and Story’s relationship to be very healthy, and I think by the end of the book everything felt rushed. If there were more time devoted to them and not outside conflicts, perhaps I would feel different. There were so many external events happening that had nothing to do with the character development of Nickel and Story, and it started to take away from the romance subplot.
-I think Nickel only scratched the surface of his anger management, I just don’t buy into him making the necessary changes to have a healthy relationship with Story. I’m not saying he’s abusive toward Story, but I needed him to put in more work.
January 4, 2023
I’ve been devouring Cate C Wells books for a few weeks now and this is the first of hers that I read that I could’ve put it down and forgotten it forever and been completely okay with. Definitely lacked that signature unputdownable appeal that CCW usually brings.
Nickel is an angry biker dude with a lot of psychological trauma and aggression. Story is the girl in love with him for absolutely no reason except that she loves him and she always has.
Um…idk about this one, y’all. It was fine. But just fine. Nickel has his anger issues and Story has her issues. Namely that she’s dumb. I’m not saying that to be rude. But girlfriend is dumb and she knows it, we all know it, but she’s upbeat and just wants to dance and hey, good for her for knowing that her reading isn’t strong but her body is, so go with that. But man, does Story put herself in some dumb situations in this book. Yikes.
This book was pretty slow and the characters weren’t doing it for me and I wasn’t super invested in what was happening. I don’t know that I liked any characters in this book.
Yeah. Letdown for sure.
Nickel is an angry biker dude with a lot of psychological trauma and aggression. Story is the girl in love with him for absolutely no reason except that she loves him and she always has.
Um…idk about this one, y’all. It was fine. But just fine. Nickel has his anger issues and Story has her issues. Namely that she’s dumb. I’m not saying that to be rude. But girlfriend is dumb and she knows it, we all know it, but she’s upbeat and just wants to dance and hey, good for her for knowing that her reading isn’t strong but her body is, so go with that. But man, does Story put herself in some dumb situations in this book. Yikes.
This book was pretty slow and the characters weren’t doing it for me and I wasn’t super invested in what was happening. I don’t know that I liked any characters in this book.
Yeah. Letdown for sure.
December 21, 2023
MF
Age Gap
Bikers
Broken MMC
Dark & Angsty
Spicy
This is the second story in the Steel Bones MC books, and I enjoyed this one as much as the first. The author just makes these flawed characters just seem so real and you just want to see the success. Story is such a wonderful and likeable character. She loves to dance and she loves Nickel. No doubt, no second guessing... she knows what she wants. And the only one holding her back is Nickel. He has a rage in him and he's afraid to hurt the ones he loves, so he keeps his distance. This is a short and sweet read, a little spicy, pretty angsty... just perfect for me coming off a long epic read.
Age Gap
Bikers
Broken MMC
Dark & Angsty
Spicy
This is the second story in the Steel Bones MC books, and I enjoyed this one as much as the first. The author just makes these flawed characters just seem so real and you just want to see the success. Story is such a wonderful and likeable character. She loves to dance and she loves Nickel. No doubt, no second guessing... she knows what she wants. And the only one holding her back is Nickel. He has a rage in him and he's afraid to hurt the ones he loves, so he keeps his distance. This is a short and sweet read, a little spicy, pretty angsty... just perfect for me coming off a long epic read.
June 1, 2021
Really sweet romance amidst rival biker drama, a hero who has to unpack his unhealthy responses to pervasive childhood trauma, and a sweet heroine how just wants to dance and love up on her man. I really enjoyed this one.
CW: sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence
CW: sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence
October 28, 2022
I’ll bump this to 3.5. I really wanted to love this book and I loved certain aspects of it, but I’ve been ruined by other MC authors. I always love an age gap and I loved to see Nickel work through his issues/demons in a real way.
September 21, 2021
MC/ silent violent H, sunshine h
Oh man… I loved Nickel! He was just that got demons, hair pin triggered talks with his fists alpha. And story, she’s the daughter of a club whore, whose all sunshine and rainbows and kinda dumb honestly lol.
-age gap
-MC
-H has demons. He’s the ready for chaos, talks with his fists type of MC guy.
-h is a stripper. She grew up in the MC bc her momma was a club whore basically and she’s had eyes for nickel since she was young.
-He watches her from the shadows and has protected her always band everyone sees what they have. Nickel just doesn’t wanna ruin story though because he’s damaged, and breaks things and he may snap and hurt her one day… but story just keeps trying and tying.
-Once they happen is just angst and the feels. Seriously. She takes any little piece he gives and he is deep down so scared to fuck her up so he doesn’t even wanna get close but he can’t help if. Ugh it’s so cute!!
-Cheating: this is hard to say. They kinda had a moment and he purposefully kissed another girl to try and hurt story to get her to stop caring about him. I hated this scene and even though they weren’t official. It kinda felt like cheating bc they did have a moment before this…. So warning if that’s a trigger for you.
-Not JP or anything sadly but he’s sweet and I just loved this damaged H.
Oh man… I loved Nickel! He was just that got demons, hair pin triggered talks with his fists alpha. And story, she’s the daughter of a club whore, whose all sunshine and rainbows and kinda dumb honestly lol.
-age gap
-MC
-H has demons. He’s the ready for chaos, talks with his fists type of MC guy.
-h is a stripper. She grew up in the MC bc her momma was a club whore basically and she’s had eyes for nickel since she was young.
-He watches her from the shadows and has protected her always band everyone sees what they have. Nickel just doesn’t wanna ruin story though because he’s damaged, and breaks things and he may snap and hurt her one day… but story just keeps trying and tying.
-Once they happen is just angst and the feels. Seriously. She takes any little piece he gives and he is deep down so scared to fuck her up so he doesn’t even wanna get close but he can’t help if. Ugh it’s so cute!!
-Cheating: this is hard to say. They kinda had a moment and he purposefully kissed another girl to try and hurt story to get her to stop caring about him. I hated this scene and even though they weren’t official. It kinda felt like cheating bc they did have a moment before this…. So warning if that’s a trigger for you.
-Not JP or anything sadly but he’s sweet and I just loved this damaged H.
September 1, 2022
This book started out really well. The H was a definite head case, which could be expected given his background. He behaves badly towards the h and she pushes him away after he has pushed her away so many times. However, about 2/3 of the way into the book, they're together and it's pretty clear that nothing's going to separate them even if there are some temporary problems and interference from outside sources. There just wasn't any sort of excitement or angst that I could identify with.
The good news is that there is no real cheating, although there is the appearance of cheating. The H tries to push the h away by making out with another stripper and the h gets the message and moves on. I mean, obviously the H has been with women before, but the way he describes it is so mechanical and empty that you don't get the impression that he is happily getting his freak on with as many willing women as possible like you do with the H's in so many MC novels. In this guy's case, it is joyless and must emphasize to him how incredibly lonely he is.
The good news is that there is no real cheating, although there is the appearance of cheating. The H tries to push the h away by making out with another stripper and the h gets the message and moves on. I mean, obviously the H has been with women before, but the way he describes it is so mechanical and empty that you don't get the impression that he is happily getting his freak on with as many willing women as possible like you do with the H's in so many MC novels. In this guy's case, it is joyless and must emphasize to him how incredibly lonely he is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️s
1.75/5 🌶️s
I’m so torn. I ADORE Cate Wells’s writing. But I absolutely hate MC books. The way women are talked about and treated in them (yes, reverently, but somehow also with degradation?) just doesn’t vibe with me. That being said…I can’t stop reading Cate’s books. I love her ability to write characters and relationships. Nickel and Story are so broken and flawed, but they’re so easy to love too.
We got more of the Steel Bones plot in this book compared to Charge’s, so I’m getting interested in the other men’s books now too. I’m curious to see how I enjoy the rest of the books since the MC aspect continues to be pulled to the front.
1.75/5 🌶️s
I’m so torn. I ADORE Cate Wells’s writing. But I absolutely hate MC books. The way women are talked about and treated in them (yes, reverently, but somehow also with degradation?) just doesn’t vibe with me. That being said…I can’t stop reading Cate’s books. I love her ability to write characters and relationships. Nickel and Story are so broken and flawed, but they’re so easy to love too.
We got more of the Steel Bones plot in this book compared to Charge’s, so I’m getting interested in the other men’s books now too. I’m curious to see how I enjoy the rest of the books since the MC aspect continues to be pulled to the front.
March 26, 2022
Quick(ish) Review
Second book in this MC series definitely takes a few more steps towards the deep end of the WTFery pool. And I’m here for it. It’s a solid 3 on the WTFery scale, which means there’s lots of violence, references to past child abuse, attempted sexual assault, murder, etc.
Story and Nickel have a Beauty and the Beast vibe to them, biker-style. She's the sweet sunshine stripper and Nickel's the beast with a real anger management problem. This could easily slide way too far into toxic territory and frankly that’s what I expect in MC romances, but the focus on the mental health issues and more importantly, getting proper help for them, levels it up. The Firsts are good and the tension from the overarching storyline keeps ratcheting up.
I really liked this. Onto to the next.
Second book in this MC series definitely takes a few more steps towards the deep end of the WTFery pool. And I’m here for it. It’s a solid 3 on the WTFery scale, which means there’s lots of violence, references to past child abuse, attempted sexual assault, murder, etc.
Story and Nickel have a Beauty and the Beast vibe to them, biker-style. She's the sweet sunshine stripper and Nickel's the beast with a real anger management problem. This could easily slide way too far into toxic territory and frankly that’s what I expect in MC romances, but the focus on the mental health issues and more importantly, getting proper help for them, levels it up. The Firsts are good and the tension from the overarching storyline keeps ratcheting up.
I really liked this. Onto to the next.
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