Too many character gaps and instabilities
Again, I’m so sorry but there are some serious issues I’m having with this series. Anyway, I hope K.L. Savage does NOT take my review as an insult but as a compliment because I am truly invested in this series and these characters. I’m honestly just offering an opinion on how I think the stories could be made so much better.
For example, (SPOILER) How is it possible that my favorite Prez/hero becomes less likable as each story unfolds? I mean his insensitivity towards his “brothers’” ol’ ladies??? He would never place Sarah in the same danger that he is usually willing to risk with them, when a serious problem occurs; Doc and Joanna, Joe was used as bait, Tool wasn’t even allowed to have relations with Juliette without getting a heart carved in his chest for disobeying Reaper, AND he practically sabotaged poor Tongue’s love life by being invasive and warning off (no... ordering) Daphne to stay away from him💥AND NOW even Knives admits to Mary how “the prez will kill me” if he goes against his wishes and doesn’t allow Mary to risk her own life for the sake of the club!
Reaper knows how much Mary means to Knives, especially after the misery of his own loss in the past with his family dying tragically, and then his “brother” Mason. However, because Knives ‘dared’ to snap at Maizy because he was frightened at losing Mary, by simply saying, “Not now Kid” to Reaper’s daughter, he takes a vote to put Mary in the line of fire, without Knives’ consent!??? I get we love Maizy and the club adores her but let’s face it, she’s a bit of a brat. There’s no stop button and she gets to ask members for money, if they curse??? Ummm nope. Not cute. And I’m kind of hoping she doesn���t turn out too spoiled.
But Reaper is being a jerk to poor Knives and willing to risk the most important person to him! And like many of the other members have admitted in the other books; as Prez, he would raise hell if it was Sarah’s life put on the line and he’d get away with it because he’s the leader. That just turns my stomach. And this ending was awful and just tragic for poor Knives! What a weird and disappointing plot!
I also find that Reaper chooses who he shows more mercy too, depending on their hierarchy and usefulness in the club; Tongue stabbed Sarah in the stomach and almost killed her! She’s now having difficulty in her pregnancy because her stomach muscles aren’t healing properly, as a result. Yet Tongue got NO punishment except a brief exile! He caused the most damage even if it was an accident! Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE TONGUE AND SARAH’s dynamic, but he is a true menace and unstable, yet Reaper gives him a pass??? What about all the other members??? They didn’t get away with even the lowest form of disrespect and they did far less harm to anyone! Honestly, I feel like this is because Reaper realizes as his enforcer, Tongue is a true asset to the club. But what about fairness, true loyalty and brotherhood to ALL MEMBERS! Otherwise, this is not a sign of good leadership, in my opinion. I mean Reaper usually redeems himself at the end of each story, but it’s just not enough to keep me from believing that he’s just a little too self-serving throughout the stories.
Finally, what is up with all these missing characters??? Reaper’s long lost sister, Delilah, who was just discovered in the previous story wasn’t even mentioned in this story at all. The two kids who were also saved in Skirt’s story are also conspicuously missing; you know, the ones that are usually kept in the basement??? At one point, Mary even admits that Sunny just disappeared and she doesn’t know where she is. And honestly, WHAT IS Patrick’s purpose in the club even??? Why is he even a patched member??? What has he proven; that he can drink like a sailor??? He and Sunny are more like ghosts who hover in the background. I get he was an alcoholic and the club loves and supports him; great cautionary tale about alcoholism blah, blah, blah. But for goodness sake give him a super power! Did he ever function at all? I mean, even Tank plays a part as a big, goofy, cuddly, yet scary looking Teddy Bear Biker! He at least lives up to his character, and he isn’t even patched.
Last but definitely not least, where is Poodle’s daughter Ellie and his woman Melissa??? We haven’t heard from them in ages. In fact, I’m starting to wonder if Poodle only has a relationship with his dog Lady, who I get is hanging on to life but WHAT IS IT WITH ALL THESE INCONSISTENCIES??? And I don’t care that they may be placed in another story. We read each story because we really want to be able to appreciate the ongoing dynamics of ALL the characters coming together and no consideration seems be given to that. I just feel like the family seems broken.
It’s just lazy work. And I’m very disappointed because I love the characters overall but I expect more from this author. However, I get let down every time I read another story. Oh well. Onward with the next.