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We're from two different worlds, but in her arms, I'm home.
Plum
Life didn't give me a silver spoon. It gave me tetanus. When Adam Wade walks into my club, I know I'm in trouble. His money I can handle. But sweet words, gentle hands? I don't know what to do with that. Eventually, he's gonna wise up and walk away. If I let him in, what'll be left of me when he goes?
Adam
I'm the adopted son of the man who owns the city. I was born into nothing, and I've earned my seat at the table. But at night, when I can't sleep, I'm haunted by the pieces of myself I've disowned to make it this far.
I don't know why Plum caught my eye, but I can't look away. Maybe it's her brave face, her fight, her quirks. I'm obsessed, all-in with my eyes screwed shut. Then life throws a harsh light on our choices. I'm forced to face the ugly truth of what she's done to survive--and what I'll have to sacrifice to be with her.
Plum's a fighter, but would she fight for us? And if I give up everything for her, who will I be?
Plum is a 68,000-word "opposites attract" romance set in the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club world. It takes place at the same time as Nickel's Story. This novel is intended for adult readers (18+) due to strong language, violence, triggers, and explicit intimate scenes.
Standalone. HEA.
Plum
Life didn't give me a silver spoon. It gave me tetanus. When Adam Wade walks into my club, I know I'm in trouble. His money I can handle. But sweet words, gentle hands? I don't know what to do with that. Eventually, he's gonna wise up and walk away. If I let him in, what'll be left of me when he goes?
Adam
I'm the adopted son of the man who owns the city. I was born into nothing, and I've earned my seat at the table. But at night, when I can't sleep, I'm haunted by the pieces of myself I've disowned to make it this far.
I don't know why Plum caught my eye, but I can't look away. Maybe it's her brave face, her fight, her quirks. I'm obsessed, all-in with my eyes screwed shut. Then life throws a harsh light on our choices. I'm forced to face the ugly truth of what she's done to survive--and what I'll have to sacrifice to be with her.
Plum's a fighter, but would she fight for us? And if I give up everything for her, who will I be?
Plum is a 68,000-word "opposites attract" romance set in the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club world. It takes place at the same time as Nickel's Story. This novel is intended for adult readers (18+) due to strong language, violence, triggers, and explicit intimate scenes.
Standalone. HEA.
246 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2020
614 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
Cate C. Wells
28 books2,950 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 262 reviews
September 17, 2022
3 You Owe Me Stars ⭐
I'm surprised that this book has been my least favourite in the series to date. Plum is a hillbilly Pretty Woman romance, so technically it should have been a winner. Although well written I had a hard time with both lead characters which kind of turned reading this into a chore.
Our girl Plum is property of the Steel Bones MC (I couldn't figure out why) and is a stripper dealing with low lives and entitled men. She's all hard edges and attitude. Usually I'm a fan of ballsy woman but Plum was too hard and jaded to relate to.
“I ain’t suckin’ your dick for free, neither. This ain’t no pre-paid gift card deal.”
So enters Adam Wade, all money and power yet it didn't start that way. It's by chance he meets Plum after servicing his brother. To be fair that didn't freak me out. I found Adam's strange obsession with Plum more peculiar. And normally money paves the way, but Plum only has her body for sale.
For the first time in my life, I want something that money can’t buy, and it’s costing me five hundred dollars up front, and one hundred dollars an hour.
The irony isn’t lost on me.
Adam was no Richard Gere. I just didn't get the connection. It felt slow and lacked devotion. This love affair was definitely transactional rather than romantic. And I get that's the storyline however this author normally has a knack for awkward romances. It just didn't work in this instance.
I'm surprised that this book has been my least favourite in the series to date. Plum is a hillbilly Pretty Woman romance, so technically it should have been a winner. Although well written I had a hard time with both lead characters which kind of turned reading this into a chore.
Our girl Plum is property of the Steel Bones MC (I couldn't figure out why) and is a stripper dealing with low lives and entitled men. She's all hard edges and attitude. Usually I'm a fan of ballsy woman but Plum was too hard and jaded to relate to.
“I ain’t suckin’ your dick for free, neither. This ain’t no pre-paid gift card deal.”
So enters Adam Wade, all money and power yet it didn't start that way. It's by chance he meets Plum after servicing his brother. To be fair that didn't freak me out. I found Adam's strange obsession with Plum more peculiar. And normally money paves the way, but Plum only has her body for sale.
For the first time in my life, I want something that money can’t buy, and it’s costing me five hundred dollars up front, and one hundred dollars an hour.
The irony isn’t lost on me.
Adam was no Richard Gere. I just didn't get the connection. It felt slow and lacked devotion. This love affair was definitely transactional rather than romantic. And I get that's the storyline however this author normally has a knack for awkward romances. It just didn't work in this instance.
October 6, 2022
OBSESSED. One of the best romances I've read this year. No one can do character development, or sex scenes like Cate C. Wells :')
Review to come!
*Oct. 4, 2022 Update*
Manifesting more romances like Plum into my life.
Cate C. Wells is a great author for unconventional heroines. If you liked Run Posy Run, please read this right now. I also started to read but dnf Forty, which played with the wild/hot mess heroine. Not because of the MCs but due to the biker plot which didn't interest me.
Give me Pretty Woman or give me death. Ok jk but I need MORE and I need them NOW. Pretty Woman is one of my favourite romcoms and I *love* it when I read stories about sex workers and customers falling in love. I like the undertones of Cinderella, the class/social differences, and I think I love this trope because generally the heroines are strong but sassy. I'm not a reader for ice queens.
If you like this, you will like Vadim: The Complete Trilogy: A Dark Billionaire Romance: Control, Corrupt, & Conquer and The Master (but the wedding scene with insufferable side characters is the worst).
There are so many good quotes and I'm blown over by the character development, which is right up there with Run Posy Run where the reader is meant to understand and empathize with the characters, who they are, not some idealized version. While Posy was the girl that never questioned her relationships with men, thus falling in love too easily for no reason, Plum is the stripper with the bad past, unable to love even when the real deal is standing in front of her.
I absolutely loved reading their POV in how they interpret each other. Plum tries to figure Adam out from arrogant prick to saviour complex to rich man slumming it. Meanwhile, Adam wonders if she will ever love him or trust him - and if his love is enough for him, for them. Now that's conflict. Angst.
You could really feel the difference in their POVs. Plum keeps her cards closer to her chest. She doesn't even think about love - if it comes up, she swats it away as silly. Although she knows she's allowing him into her life, she does not get excited or hopeful. Adam is total anxiety, longing, yearning from day one. He falls fast and he falls hard. I believed it. His POV was great.
One of my favourite angst scenes (too short!) is when Plum brings up to Adam that her friend says she should request jewellery from him. Oof.
The beginning was good. Idc.
Cate C. Wells really said, hold my beer and I'll give YOU a meetcute you aren't going to forget. I bought Adam's obsession, hook, line, and sinker.
I wish there was more angst. Those moments when she confronts him right before it all goes to shit. Also, a longer separation would have hit harder in the angst feels. They were apart for like one chapter (one week?)
I think I enjoyed this because it's a "biker" book but it's actually a billionaire meets biker book.
Review to come!
*Oct. 4, 2022 Update*
Manifesting more romances like Plum into my life.
Cate C. Wells is a great author for unconventional heroines. If you liked Run Posy Run, please read this right now. I also started to read but dnf Forty, which played with the wild/hot mess heroine. Not because of the MCs but due to the biker plot which didn't interest me.
Give me Pretty Woman or give me death. Ok jk but I need MORE and I need them NOW. Pretty Woman is one of my favourite romcoms and I *love* it when I read stories about sex workers and customers falling in love. I like the undertones of Cinderella, the class/social differences, and I think I love this trope because generally the heroines are strong but sassy. I'm not a reader for ice queens.
If you like this, you will like Vadim: The Complete Trilogy: A Dark Billionaire Romance: Control, Corrupt, & Conquer and The Master (but the wedding scene with insufferable side characters is the worst).
There are so many good quotes and I'm blown over by the character development, which is right up there with Run Posy Run where the reader is meant to understand and empathize with the characters, who they are, not some idealized version. While Posy was the girl that never questioned her relationships with men, thus falling in love too easily for no reason, Plum is the stripper with the bad past, unable to love even when the real deal is standing in front of her.
I absolutely loved reading their POV in how they interpret each other. Plum tries to figure Adam out from arrogant prick to saviour complex to rich man slumming it. Meanwhile, Adam wonders if she will ever love him or trust him - and if his love is enough for him, for them. Now that's conflict. Angst.
You could really feel the difference in their POVs. Plum keeps her cards closer to her chest. She doesn't even think about love - if it comes up, she swats it away as silly. Although she knows she's allowing him into her life, she does not get excited or hopeful. Adam is total anxiety, longing, yearning from day one. He falls fast and he falls hard. I believed it. His POV was great.
One of my favourite angst scenes (too short!) is when Plum brings up to Adam that her friend says she should request jewellery from him. Oof.
The beginning was good. Idc.
Cate C. Wells really said, hold my beer and I'll give YOU a meetcute you aren't going to forget. I bought Adam's obsession, hook, line, and sinker.
I wish there was more angst. Those moments when she confronts him right before it all goes to shit. Also, a longer separation would have hit harder in the angst feels. They were apart for like one chapter (one week?)
I think I enjoyed this because it's a "biker" book but it's actually a billionaire meets biker book.
October 12, 2022
There’s something about her. In a room full of naked women, the first thing I noticed was her, the mean glare paired with the fake smile, the freckles that show through the caked-on makeup.
It should seem sad. But the way she moves, naked and totally unconcerned—above it all—vulnerable and untouchable at the same time. She’s glorious. It’s a fucking strange thought to have. I rub my head. Maybe I have a concussion.
In the five years we were together, she never wormed as deep inside me as the little stripper with purple streaks in her hair. There was something in the way she carried herself, in the determination born of desperation lurking behind her eyes, her fearlessness when she went after Eric—it reminded me of Gilson Avenue. She reminded me of that ten-year-old boy whose dad had disappeared. The kid whose mom told him, if he didn’t want a whore for a mother, he had one job. Eric Wade. I haven’t remembered that kid in a long, long time. To be honest, I thought I’d totally sold him out.
Thank you Irene for your review 💜💜💜 I remember seeing this book floating around in 2020 but I passed it up because I thought it sounded trashy and I typically don't enjoy motorcycle club romances. Irene is right. This is Pretty Woman and this is more like a rich CEO meets a stripper and falls in love story than mc story. For those like me who don't gravitate towards rich CEO MMCs, don't worry, the author gave this man a touching rags to riches backstory and made him so human and real.
The Pretty Woman comparison is not light. This is clearly the author's version of Pretty Woman, and it's executed flawlessly imo. That said, if you didn't like Pretty Woman or are not in the mood this may not work out for you.
What I loved:
✅ Amazing characterization
✅ The MMC, while not blue collar, came from an underprivileged background
✅ The humour
✅ Stripper heroine that doesn't take shit from anyone
✅ The wholesome arc of the romance. Loved the mixture of the sordid setting combined with characters that have heart
✅ The angst. The conflict and angst in this book was perfect imo
✅ The smut
Oh yeah, the smut. Omg. It was so good. Probably tmi
It should seem sad. But the way she moves, naked and totally unconcerned—above it all—vulnerable and untouchable at the same time. She’s glorious. It’s a fucking strange thought to have. I rub my head. Maybe I have a concussion.
In the five years we were together, she never wormed as deep inside me as the little stripper with purple streaks in her hair. There was something in the way she carried herself, in the determination born of desperation lurking behind her eyes, her fearlessness when she went after Eric—it reminded me of Gilson Avenue. She reminded me of that ten-year-old boy whose dad had disappeared. The kid whose mom told him, if he didn’t want a whore for a mother, he had one job. Eric Wade. I haven’t remembered that kid in a long, long time. To be honest, I thought I’d totally sold him out.
Thank you Irene for your review 💜💜💜 I remember seeing this book floating around in 2020 but I passed it up because I thought it sounded trashy and I typically don't enjoy motorcycle club romances. Irene is right. This is Pretty Woman and this is more like a rich CEO meets a stripper and falls in love story than mc story. For those like me who don't gravitate towards rich CEO MMCs, don't worry, the author gave this man a touching rags to riches backstory and made him so human and real.
The Pretty Woman comparison is not light. This is clearly the author's version of Pretty Woman, and it's executed flawlessly imo. That said, if you didn't like Pretty Woman or are not in the mood this may not work out for you.
What I loved:
✅ Amazing characterization
✅ The MMC, while not blue collar, came from an underprivileged background
✅ The humour
✅ Stripper heroine that doesn't take shit from anyone
✅ The wholesome arc of the romance. Loved the mixture of the sordid setting combined with characters that have heart
✅ The angst. The conflict and angst in this book was perfect imo
✅ The smut
Oh yeah, the smut. Omg. It was so good. Probably tmi
July 3, 2022
Ah, yes. Nothing better than starting chapter 1 with the heroine sucking off the hero’s brother while hero watches with longing.
Charming. Really.
Pass.
- B.S.
Charming. Really.
Pass.
- B.S.
May 24, 2021
This book had a great heroine and I liked her a lot. I think maybe the hero didn't work for me as well? Not sure. I wasn't as immediately drawn in with this one, it took me a while to figure them out together.
June 19, 2022
It took me a bit to see how this one connected to the series, to the MC, but once I got it, it made sense. I really liked Plum. She lived a hard life, fought for everything she had, didn't make any apologies for what she had to do, nor should she. I also loved how she treasured her house and what it meant to her.
I wasn't sure about Adam for most of the book. His past was much like Plum's, you would have thought he got what she had to do. For the most part he over looked it and tried to pretend it didn't happen, until things were thrown in his face. It was here that Adam totally let Plum down, I found myself so angry on her behalf at him, while Plum was like, of course this happened, this is my life.
I really wasn't sure if Adam could come back from the hole that he dug for himself, but he did a pretty good job of it, once he made the effort. I liked how this one ended, liked that Adam and Jo-Beth found a way to live life on their terms and be happy.
I wasn't sure about Adam for most of the book. His past was much like Plum's, you would have thought he got what she had to do. For the most part he over looked it and tried to pretend it didn't happen, until things were thrown in his face. It was here that Adam totally let Plum down, I found myself so angry on her behalf at him, while Plum was like, of course this happened, this is my life.
I really wasn't sure if Adam could come back from the hole that he dug for himself, but he did a pretty good job of it, once he made the effort. I liked how this one ended, liked that Adam and Jo-Beth found a way to live life on their terms and be happy.
September 16, 2023
This may have been more contemporary romance than MC but I still loved it. Plum/Jo-Beth has gifted her whole life to make something better of the hand she's been dealt. If any girl ever deserved to be swept off her feet by a super rich, devilishly handsome Prince Charming it is her.
By the end of the book said Prince Charming, also known as Adam, was everything a girl could ever dream of and wish for. He had to do a little growing up, some soul-searching, and a lot of grovelling to win the hand of his princess, but he did so magnificently and thoroughly deserved his HEA. This book gave me all the feels, and there may have been tears shed and goofy smiles during those last few emotional chapters.
I also need to mention Harper. Girl gets bad press, on the surface she deserves it but there isn't one couple who would have gotten their "together forever" without a little Harper interference and influence. She's a matchmaker disguised as a bitch but she seems to hold the men and women of the Steel Bones close to her heart. I for one cannot wait for her story, I'm pretty certain we're going to be very surprised by the lengths she has gone in order to protect those of the MC.
By the end of the book said Prince Charming, also known as Adam, was everything a girl could ever dream of and wish for. He had to do a little growing up, some soul-searching, and a lot of grovelling to win the hand of his princess, but he did so magnificently and thoroughly deserved his HEA. This book gave me all the feels, and there may have been tears shed and goofy smiles during those last few emotional chapters.
I also need to mention Harper. Girl gets bad press, on the surface she deserves it but there isn't one couple who would have gotten their "together forever" without a little Harper interference and influence. She's a matchmaker disguised as a bitch but she seems to hold the men and women of the Steel Bones close to her heart. I for one cannot wait for her story, I'm pretty certain we're going to be very surprised by the lengths she has gone in order to protect those of the MC.
February 28, 2024
This is the story of JoBeth who has been a hooker/stripper/club bunny etc since she was 15. She’s street smart and a hard nut to crack. I loved her sass and strength. She’s a survivor and takes care of herself. She meets Adam while she is giving his brother a bj. Adam is watching. When the brother tries to cheat her of her money. She fires up and goes after him. Adam is attracted to her feisty behavior. He chases her for most of the book and finally catches her at the end. This book made me laugh so much! It’s going on my favorites shelf!
May 23, 2021
Jo-Beth Connolly marched right in and took her rightful spot on my All-Time Favorite Characters list. What a fierce and prickly marvel she is! I picked this up after Katee Robert started talking about the author and then Jenny Nordbak told me the heroine in this one had Burn Down The Night vibes. A heroine like our queen Joan? I could not pick it up fast enough. And wow, was I ever impressed with both the writing and Jo-Beth! She’s basically a feral cat and I was here for it.
The author takes some bold risks, starting with their meet-disaster and a few key twists and turns, one of which had me cackling. I pretty much inhaled this story, eager to see how things would unfold for Jo-Beth and Adam. They are very much opposites and yet there’s a similarity at their core and the author explored this to great effect. It made me laugh out loud several times—Jo-Beth is hilarious—and it also made me cry. I so badly wanted them to figure things out, for Jo-Beth to take a risk and trust Adam and for Adam to truly step up to the plate. Such a satisfying read.
I rarely read motorcycle club romance because it tends to be inherently racist and misogynistic. This doesn’t avoid all of the problematic parts of the subgenre—there’s a lot of gender essentialism and gendered insults—but it’s not as motorcycle clubby as I was expecting and Adam and Jo-Beth’s relationship largely takes place outside of the club. That said, it’s still a pretty white book, both in the club and Adam’s elite country club world, so your mileage may vary.
Character notes: Jo-Beth/Plum is a 20-something white stripper and the property of Steel Bones MC. Adam is a 30 year old white Chief Technology Officer at a financial services company. He wears glasses. This is set in Petty’s Mill and Pyle, PA, which are two hours apart. (He drives this distance to see her for weeks on end!!!)
CW: physical assault/club violence, severe sprained ankle, childhood poverty, classism, hero’s fiancee cheated with his stepbrother, alcohol, inebriation, alcoholic and substance abusing secondary character, sex worker shaming, slut-shaming, gendered insults (including female pejoratives), gender essentialism, ableist language, transphobic line , past foster care (ran away at 16), past sexual abuse by foster father, heroine’s mother died of Hepatitis C when she was 15, hero’s father was a junkie and absentee father, hero’s mother got pregnant as a teen and cut off by her parents, references to marijuana (secondary characters), reference to someone’s child being attacked (past), reference to past Chlamydia
The author takes some bold risks, starting with their meet-disaster and a few key twists and turns, one of which had me cackling. I pretty much inhaled this story, eager to see how things would unfold for Jo-Beth and Adam. They are very much opposites and yet there’s a similarity at their core and the author explored this to great effect. It made me laugh out loud several times—Jo-Beth is hilarious—and it also made me cry. I so badly wanted them to figure things out, for Jo-Beth to take a risk and trust Adam and for Adam to truly step up to the plate. Such a satisfying read.
I rarely read motorcycle club romance because it tends to be inherently racist and misogynistic. This doesn’t avoid all of the problematic parts of the subgenre—there’s a lot of gender essentialism and gendered insults—but it’s not as motorcycle clubby as I was expecting and Adam and Jo-Beth’s relationship largely takes place outside of the club. That said, it’s still a pretty white book, both in the club and Adam’s elite country club world, so your mileage may vary.
Character notes: Jo-Beth/Plum is a 20-something white stripper and the property of Steel Bones MC. Adam is a 30 year old white Chief Technology Officer at a financial services company. He wears glasses. This is set in Petty’s Mill and Pyle, PA, which are two hours apart. (He drives this distance to see her for weeks on end!!!)
CW: physical assault/club violence, severe sprained ankle, childhood poverty, classism, hero’s fiancee cheated with his stepbrother, alcohol, inebriation, alcoholic and substance abusing secondary character, sex worker shaming, slut-shaming, gendered insults (including female pejoratives), gender essentialism, ableist language, transphobic line , past foster care (ran away at 16), past sexual abuse by foster father, heroine’s mother died of Hepatitis C when she was 15, hero’s father was a junkie and absentee father, hero’s mother got pregnant as a teen and cut off by her parents, references to marijuana (secondary characters), reference to someone’s child being attacked (past), reference to past Chlamydia
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February 10, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/8/2020)! 🎁
November 7, 2022
This tugged on my heartstrings. CW for sexual assault of a minor.
Read
January 15, 2024Spoilers ahead, no rating because I really enjoyed the book but I just could not get over the introduction to the h
Adam and his brother stop by the strip club on their way back from a business meeting there his brother gets a BJ from a dancer but stiffs her on some money and they get into a fight with the guys from Steel Bones. In all of this Adam is fascinated by the stripper Plum.
JoBeth has had a hard life, she's determined to do better than her mother however and socks aside her money to fix up her house. She's been a house mouse, a sweet butt, a stripper and a whore for most of her life. She knows that big shot Adam Wade only wants her for one thing...but he's bent on convincing her otherwise
*****
This book turned my stomach, Adam meets JoBeth because she's giving his brother a blow job with 20 extra if she swallows!!!!!! And he's right there!!!?? I read that scene thinking his H would be another dancer or something not the woman sucking his stepbrother's dick right next to him!!! It was disgusting
This is a trope I absolutely detest, no matter what the past doesn't go away and listening to his biological father talk about how Plum was passed around by the mc guys??? It turned my stomach so bad I thought I'd throw up
This book is very real and very well written....but it was just a little too real for me. I need my hookers to be not actual hookers you know? Like in the master how it was her first time? That was what I expected but this isn't it and JoBeth's past isn't shied away from at all
I love her, I admire her strength I even teared up. JoBeth is unashamed and fierce and so strong making the best she could put of her shitty circumstances....she absolutely deserves her hea but introducing my fmc while she's sucking off the H's stepbrother while she agrees to swallow for a 20? Yeah that's just a little too much for me
And if she could get a job with Deb while her foot is injured couldn't she have done that and the stripping? Instead of turning tricks on the side 😭
***Adam wanted to have unprotected sex with JoBeth and I'm really concerned about his mental health because sirrrrrrr this woman swallowed your brother's jizz for 20 bucks!!!!! Her being on the pill is the least of your worries
No cheating
Sex worker/stripper h
She isn't with anyone else after they meet only by coincidence as she gets hurt soon after and isn't ok to work
After a separation where she'd put herself out there she solicits a client at an event but thankfully that doesn't go through
Adam and his brother stop by the strip club on their way back from a business meeting there his brother gets a BJ from a dancer but stiffs her on some money and they get into a fight with the guys from Steel Bones. In all of this Adam is fascinated by the stripper Plum.
JoBeth has had a hard life, she's determined to do better than her mother however and socks aside her money to fix up her house. She's been a house mouse, a sweet butt, a stripper and a whore for most of her life. She knows that big shot Adam Wade only wants her for one thing...but he's bent on convincing her otherwise
*****
This book turned my stomach, Adam meets JoBeth because she's giving his brother a blow job with 20 extra if she swallows!!!!!! And he's right there!!!?? I read that scene thinking his H would be another dancer or something not the woman sucking his stepbrother's dick right next to him!!! It was disgusting
This is a trope I absolutely detest, no matter what the past doesn't go away and listening to his biological father talk about how Plum was passed around by the mc guys??? It turned my stomach so bad I thought I'd throw up
This book is very real and very well written....but it was just a little too real for me. I need my hookers to be not actual hookers you know? Like in the master how it was her first time? That was what I expected but this isn't it and JoBeth's past isn't shied away from at all
I love her, I admire her strength I even teared up. JoBeth is unashamed and fierce and so strong making the best she could put of her shitty circumstances....she absolutely deserves her hea but introducing my fmc while she's sucking off the H's stepbrother while she agrees to swallow for a 20? Yeah that's just a little too much for me
And if she could get a job with Deb while her foot is injured couldn't she have done that and the stripping? Instead of turning tricks on the side 😭
***Adam wanted to have unprotected sex with JoBeth and I'm really concerned about his mental health because sirrrrrrr this woman swallowed your brother's jizz for 20 bucks!!!!! Her being on the pill is the least of your worries
No cheating
Sex worker/stripper h
She isn't with anyone else after they meet only by coincidence as she gets hurt soon after and isn't ok to work
After a separation where she'd put herself out there she solicits a client at an event but thankfully that doesn't go through
May 27, 2025
wasn’t bad but could have been better
I liked it but the MMC was a little childish at times
There are multiple times where he remembers that she’s like a dancer and she’s done stuff for other guys for money and he gets kind of upset but he doesn’t say anything to her he’s just thinking it in his head; that felt a little odd to me considering that’s how he met her….but I digress
Also, when he just stopped talking to her and basically ignores her when she comes to find him and talk to him again….I didn’t like that
He apologizes so I guess it’s ok? Meh
Honestly that sums up how I felt about this book…meh
I liked it but the MMC was a little childish at times
There are multiple times where he remembers that she’s like a dancer and she’s done stuff for other guys for money and he gets kind of upset but he doesn’t say anything to her he’s just thinking it in his head; that felt a little odd to me considering that’s how he met her….but I digress
Also, when he just stopped talking to her and basically ignores her when she comes to find him and talk to him again….I didn’t like that
He apologizes so I guess it’s ok? Meh
Honestly that sums up how I felt about this book…meh
April 18, 2022
This has one hell of a meet cute- the hero meets the heroine when she's deep throating his brother at the strip club she works at. And damn it all it freaking works. This author is a sorceress, she can make anything work for me at this point. Jo-Beth is not ashamed of who she is and what she does. She doesn't sit around and mope about her lot in life. She took the lemons life gave her and made some spiked lemonade.
She is one of my favorite type of heroines, the strong prickly, grumpy types that hide their vulnerability behind a resting bitch face. Adam is a sexy successful nerd who's worth millions. He started out like Jo Beth but unlike her he had a mother who lied and cheated her way out of the gutter. This is such a complex and beautiful woven character driven story. I loved them together and separately. It was sexy, steamy, emotional and had some societal commentary that was seamlessly blended into the story. How I wish other authors would learn how to do this properly. No one wants to be lectured when they are reading for pleasure ffs. Anyway, Steel Bones is becoming my favorite family series because in the background of all these stories is the MC that is a found family and it just makes my heart so happy.
My only complaint is that I thought Adam's insta love was too insta 🤣 I also wanted more from Jo Beth at the end. She never said ILY and it was a damn shame because otherwise this was a perfect story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Cinderella
Nerd hero
Class Difference
She is one of my favorite type of heroines, the strong prickly, grumpy types that hide their vulnerability behind a resting bitch face. Adam is a sexy successful nerd who's worth millions. He started out like Jo Beth but unlike her he had a mother who lied and cheated her way out of the gutter. This is such a complex and beautiful woven character driven story. I loved them together and separately. It was sexy, steamy, emotional and had some societal commentary that was seamlessly blended into the story. How I wish other authors would learn how to do this properly. No one wants to be lectured when they are reading for pleasure ffs. Anyway, Steel Bones is becoming my favorite family series because in the background of all these stories is the MC that is a found family and it just makes my heart so happy.
My only complaint is that I thought Adam's insta love was too insta 🤣 I also wanted more from Jo Beth at the end. She never said ILY and it was a damn shame because otherwise this was a perfect story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Cinderella
Nerd hero
Class Difference
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
- MF
- Class Difference
- Insta-Love
- Grumpy FMC
- Spicy
I struggled a little bit with this one. First off, Plum is a great character. Loved her right off. Adam grew on me. Sorta. I think I liked the these two, but maybe not together.
Plum has a hard life and does things that most people would look down on, but she makes no apologies. Life is what it is. You just make do. Adam was born into poverty but his mother married rich and he grew up to become worth millions. Adam met Plum while she was working, and decided he wanted her and that was it in his mind. Plum was a bit more of a realist about that. Overall it’s a good read, I have enjoyed this entire series, but it wasn’t my favorite. Well Plum might be my fave FMC of the series, so there’s that.
- Class Difference
- Insta-Love
- Grumpy FMC
- Spicy
I struggled a little bit with this one. First off, Plum is a great character. Loved her right off. Adam grew on me. Sorta. I think I liked the these two, but maybe not together.
Plum has a hard life and does things that most people would look down on, but she makes no apologies. Life is what it is. You just make do. Adam was born into poverty but his mother married rich and he grew up to become worth millions. Adam met Plum while she was working, and decided he wanted her and that was it in his mind. Plum was a bit more of a realist about that. Overall it’s a good read, I have enjoyed this entire series, but it wasn’t my favorite. Well Plum might be my fave FMC of the series, so there’s that.
February 25, 2020
"So this took a bit of time to get into I really didn’t sink straight into this story, it took me a good 20% to get into it and even then I didn’t read it one sitting I kept putting the book down sometimes due to work sometimes not. I really enjoyed the writing and I love the Steel Bones MC world."
Full review at ABookHaven
Full review at ABookHaven
August 30, 2025
Really loved the heroine in this one - Jo-Beth was realistically jaded and yet easy to root for. Not sure the Cinderella plot quite worked for me, but overall had a good time reading
October 12, 2022
First read by Cate Wells. I will definitely check out her other books. Thank god she has a few.
December 25, 2021
I am fully obsessed with this series and Plum was a really strong entry - probably my second favourite after Nickel’s Story. Our FMC is Jo-Beth Connelly, stripper and ‘sweetbutt’ with the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club and our MMC is Adam Wade, besuited tech millionaire and doppelgänger for Clark Kent. They shouldn’t be a match but Cate C Wells can sell me a n y t h i n g. The sex work rep is great, and it’s also fascinating to get a view into the MC club from the perspective of one of its lower ranking women. It’s one of the miracles of these books that the baked in misogyny and gender essentialism doesn’t poison the well for me (your own mileage may vary on this). Plum goes a long way towards explaining how the relationships between brothers, old ladies, sweetbutts and prospects makes sense and has meaning to people in that world.
CWs: past child sexual abuse (mentioned, no descriptions); physical violence; references to past drug and alcohol abuse.
CWs: past child sexual abuse (mentioned, no descriptions); physical violence; references to past drug and alcohol abuse.
February 9, 2020
Plum and Adam may now be from different worlds but Adam learned at a young age that if you want more...you fight for it.
He wasn't always the techie that he is now but when you see your stepbrother do wrong and feel an attraction to the woman who he wronged, who also has more ba**s than that a closet full of tennis balls. Even though love wasn't in the cards for him after his ex fiance did what she did. Do you go all in or do you fold?
I loved the pace of the story. How we get to understand the feelings and thoughts that go with their actions. Its one I read in one sitting. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
He wasn't always the techie that he is now but when you see your stepbrother do wrong and feel an attraction to the woman who he wronged, who also has more ba**s than that a closet full of tennis balls. Even though love wasn't in the cards for him after his ex fiance did what she did. Do you go all in or do you fold?
I loved the pace of the story. How we get to understand the feelings and thoughts that go with their actions. Its one I read in one sitting. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
December 25, 2025
4.5 stars
I think this might be my favourite in the series!!!! The drama, angst and tension was EXQUISITE. I adored Jo-Beth, and though I wish Adam had grovelled a lot more, they were perfect for one another. This was gritty and raw, and reminded me of why I love Cate C. Wells' writing SO much.
I think this might be my favourite in the series!!!! The drama, angst and tension was EXQUISITE. I adored Jo-Beth, and though I wish Adam had grovelled a lot more, they were perfect for one another. This was gritty and raw, and reminded me of why I love Cate C. Wells' writing SO much.
October 19, 2020
Ugh
I've been LOVING this series until this book.
*spoiler*
I hate that the h performed oral sex on the stepbrother. This tainted the whole book for me. I hated it.
Big nope.
I've been LOVING this series until this book.
*spoiler*
I hate that the h performed oral sex on the stepbrother. This tainted the whole book for me. I hated it.
Big nope.
March 30, 2022
Quick(ish) Review 3.5 Stars
Fourth book in the series and damn. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, especially after that rocky start. I may have spoilers, so beware but I have to talk about this because this is NOT something I expected to enjoy and I'm still conflicted about some things. I'll break it down.
The Good: When I realized this book was for Jo-Beth, a sweetbutt with the Steel Bones MC, I was surprised but I gotta say, I really like that this doesn't focus on the typical role of a sweetbutt in a romance, which is as a source of tension/antagonist. You know - the stereotypical jealous, petty, dumb woman who's glomming onto the MMC. Jo-Beth's portrayal is more nuanced than that and I appreciated it. She's a survivor, someone who's been through some shite and still managed to carve out a life. Trigger warnings for references to past sexual abuse, and violence. The story built slowly, but somehow Ms. Wells managed to get me hooked and by the end I was appreciating their journey. Now having said that....
The Bad: That first scene between Adam and Jo-Beth was jarring. I've seen comparisons to Pretty Woman, but you didn't see Vivian blowing Edward's stepbrother before he hires her.
That was a record scratch for me. Considering the fact that Jo-Beth's a sex worker, I expected references to her work, but sexual contact with his brother? *blinks* yikes. That left me struggling to get into the story at first. For me, I NEVER like seeing the hero or heroine having sex with anyone else. Ever. Some folx will NOT be able to get past that, especially if you have hard limits on OM/OW contact. I got past it, but it was a close thing, not gonna lie.
Also, this felt like a break in the proceedings, since Jo-Beth and Adam really don't have anything to do with the overarching storyline. Was it a good break after the heavy trauma of the last book? Yes, but it's still not light, by any means.
Bottom Line: This is an MC series, and while this may not be fairy tale quite like Pretty Woman, the way it's grounded, emotional, and its ending satisfying made it a romance I enjoyed reading more than I expected. Even with those hard pushes on my personal limits.
Fourth book in the series and damn. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, especially after that rocky start. I may have spoilers, so beware but I have to talk about this because this is NOT something I expected to enjoy and I'm still conflicted about some things. I'll break it down.
The Good: When I realized this book was for Jo-Beth, a sweetbutt with the Steel Bones MC, I was surprised but I gotta say, I really like that this doesn't focus on the typical role of a sweetbutt in a romance, which is as a source of tension/antagonist. You know - the stereotypical jealous, petty, dumb woman who's glomming onto the MMC. Jo-Beth's portrayal is more nuanced than that and I appreciated it. She's a survivor, someone who's been through some shite and still managed to carve out a life. Trigger warnings for references to past sexual abuse, and violence. The story built slowly, but somehow Ms. Wells managed to get me hooked and by the end I was appreciating their journey. Now having said that....
The Bad: That first scene between Adam and Jo-Beth was jarring. I've seen comparisons to Pretty Woman, but you didn't see Vivian blowing Edward's stepbrother before he hires her.
That was a record scratch for me. Considering the fact that Jo-Beth's a sex worker, I expected references to her work, but sexual contact with his brother? *blinks* yikes. That left me struggling to get into the story at first. For me, I NEVER like seeing the hero or heroine having sex with anyone else. Ever. Some folx will NOT be able to get past that, especially if you have hard limits on OM/OW contact. I got past it, but it was a close thing, not gonna lie.
Also, this felt like a break in the proceedings, since Jo-Beth and Adam really don't have anything to do with the overarching storyline. Was it a good break after the heavy trauma of the last book? Yes, but it's still not light, by any means.
Bottom Line: This is an MC series, and while this may not be fairy tale quite like Pretty Woman, the way it's grounded, emotional, and its ending satisfying made it a romance I enjoyed reading more than I expected. Even with those hard pushes on my personal limits.
July 5, 2025
I swear, when The Bachelor’s between seasons, those sluts get up to no damn good. Drama llamas, the both of ’em.
Our July book in our read-through of the Steel Bones MC gave us a wonderful closer look at the life of a sweetbutt! Jo-Beth was a good female lead - she had all the strengths, weaknesses, and nuances that we've come to know and love from Cate C Wells! Something about the way this author writes makes characters feel so real.
“Because take a woman like that. Take her away from her shitty life when she’s nine or ten. Send her to the best schools. Introduce her to the right people. Give her a company to run. You know what she becomes?”
I wait. There’s silence except for the whoosh of cars along the riverfront.
“You.”
The Cinderella-story plotline has never been my favorite, but despite that, I did enjoy Adam and Jo-Beth's story. Though, the rags-to-riches cliché doesn't feel quite right here - its more of a riches-to-rags, as . The true strength is the whole worldbuilding around the SBMC - the members, the sweetbutts, the old ladies, and everything in between. All the connections and history. I just love them all!
"It’d kind of ruin the effect we’re going for.”
“And what effect is that?”
“Bombshell.” Harper Ruth grins, shimmering her fingers. “Kaboom.
Oh, man. I love Harper's appearances in each of these books! Is she helping? Is she hindering? Your guess is as good as mine and I love the hurricane of chaos that she seems to thrive in.
The ending dragged a bit for me, but ultimately, of course we see the pair off to a HEA. And what's next, you ask? Why, the delicious, hulking Wall of course! August can't get here soon enough ;)
November 16, 2024
4 Working Girl Stars
✔️ Dual POVs (Adam x Plum)
✔️ Set in small town Pennsylvania
✔️ Open-door contemporary romance (4/5 🌶️)
✔️ Tropes: Class differences
Cate C. Wells does a book about class differences better than anyone. I didn’t always love either of these characters but it felt incredibly real but still romantic.
✔️ Dual POVs (Adam x Plum)
✔️ Set in small town Pennsylvania
✔️ Open-door contemporary romance (4/5 🌶️)
✔️ Tropes: Class differences
Cate C. Wells does a book about class differences better than anyone. I didn’t always love either of these characters but it felt incredibly real but still romantic.
March 6, 2022
I wasn’t 100% sold on the chemistry between the MC’s. The way the met was quite interesting. I really liked Jo-Beth’s character. I enjoyed this Pretty Woman type romance. I liked the angst and rejection at the end with Adam’s grand gesture. I am enjoying this series.
free-on-amazon-today
June 17, 2022#Free 17 June 2022
March 25, 2022
I just love this series. I've enjoyed them all. I loved the heroine in this one. The hero - maybe I didn't connect with quite as much. But overall - fun
June 9, 2020
A fresh Pretty Woman story, with a twist
Plum is the 4th book in the Steel Bones MC series by Cate C Wells. I *really* like this series. It has the camaraderie and “found family” feel of a MC series but most of the stories primarily take place outside of the MC’s activities so I think anyone could enjoy it.
👠
I’ve liked all the books so far but Scrap (book 3) remains my favorite. In fact, it’s one of the best romances I’ve read all year. These books are not chronological and are standalone so they can be read in any order.
👠
The heroine of Plum is a stripper/sex worker and as a strong woman who lives her life on her own terms, refuses to be shamed for it. One thing I loved about her is what a homebody she is and how hard she works to create the perfect “feel” for her home. I could really relate to that and I found it to be fairly unique.
👠
This series isn’t dark, but it is gritty. The hero is a “tough kid who made it big” type. Their meet cute isn’t one you’ll find in most feel good romances, but it belongs to their story. The book has a Pretty Woman vibe to it, but the author manages to make it fresh and add her own twist.
👠
If you like MC romances, rich successful heroes, or scrappy strong heroines, you should read this book! Anyone who enjoys a “one saves the other” type story should also love it.
Plum is the 4th book in the Steel Bones MC series by Cate C Wells. I *really* like this series. It has the camaraderie and “found family” feel of a MC series but most of the stories primarily take place outside of the MC’s activities so I think anyone could enjoy it.
👠
I’ve liked all the books so far but Scrap (book 3) remains my favorite. In fact, it’s one of the best romances I’ve read all year. These books are not chronological and are standalone so they can be read in any order.
👠
The heroine of Plum is a stripper/sex worker and as a strong woman who lives her life on her own terms, refuses to be shamed for it. One thing I loved about her is what a homebody she is and how hard she works to create the perfect “feel” for her home. I could really relate to that and I found it to be fairly unique.
👠
This series isn’t dark, but it is gritty. The hero is a “tough kid who made it big” type. Their meet cute isn’t one you’ll find in most feel good romances, but it belongs to their story. The book has a Pretty Woman vibe to it, but the author manages to make it fresh and add her own twist.
👠
If you like MC romances, rich successful heroes, or scrappy strong heroines, you should read this book! Anyone who enjoys a “one saves the other” type story should also love it.
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