I don’t do commitments. And I don’t stay in a place long enough to get attachments either. But now I’ve got two after my only friend calls in a favor that’s long overdue. Hiding myself is one thing, but hiding with two kids who have never known happiness is harder than expected. Especially when he comes knocking. Well, more like demanding and riding a Harley.
Chains —
The system failed me. Got me locked up for a crime I didn’t commit. Five years is a long time to want justice, but all I want once I get out is to find my sister’s kids. She died while I was locked away, and I refuse to be separated from my family a minute longer.
I can’t believe this chick won’t give me my kids. That’s fine. I can wait this out. I learned how to play nice behind bars for five years. What’s a few more days of pretending to be the good guy before I get what I want? And I always get what I want.
Just never expected that I’d want her and would be willing to go to war to keep her.
Chains is the first book in the Hounds of the Reaper biker romance series. If you like strong women, possessive men, and a sizzling romance with bikers, you'll love SJ. Rowe's newest series.
Pick up Chains today to discover your love for the Hounds of the Reaper MC and the women that bring these alpha males to their knees.
After traveling all over the world as a child, S.J. Rowe has found a home in the southwest with her husband. She continues to visit exotic destinations around the world with her best friends, and when she is home, she splits her time between watching baseball and singing in the car. To unwind, she finds herself enjoying a good cup of coffee while curled up watching Star Wars.
I loved Mama Bear and how she was so strong and unable to hold back her opinion. I also loved how often she called him out on his misogyny.
You lost me somewhere between Chains saying it's not cheating to have his dick sucked by the club whores (and he plans to continue that) and the fact that the FMC is a virgin. Blech.
Virgin gal with an unapologetic manwhore should have its own trigger warning.
DNF@9% p42/427 Chapter 3(Chains) Ok. I was already feeling iffy about this book just from the way the guys were talking to the FMC. But now we’re in Chains’ POV and he’s thinking about how he immediately left his first meeting with the FMC and took a girl to his room but couldn’t get off until she turned around and he pictured the FMC…? Nah. Nope. I hate that shit. No, they aren’t together, but it just rubs me the completely wrong way when the MMC uses another woman in place of the one he’s actually interested in. Ew.
The h was a dream, she took no shit, called the H on his bullshit several times, she took none of the misogyny act and demand respect! Like the kids dynamic, the side characters, even with all the "coincidence"!
Absolute trash. The female lead curses and both main characters sound like illiterates. The author embarrassingly calls the club women who service the men “vamps” is she like 80 years old? WTH! The storylines are as dumb and make no sense. Wait til you find out how the female lead’s mom died. It’s so absurd. Nothing about this MC garners any kind of feelings of intelligence, street smarts or safety. I skimmed and skipped until I could not take anymore.
SEX SCENES - Yes, 1 short not very detailed between male lead and club woman. I skipped to the leads’ first time and the female lead was a virgin and their first time and her first sexual encounter was being f’d against the shower wall. Yep, sure. That’s how we all wish we lost our virginities. Ugh! NO!! DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Chains: Hounds of the Reaper by S J Row is the first book of a series called Hounds of the Reaper. I was able to read this book for free on Kindle Unlimited. Since this is a Biker book with alpha males, language and violence, but it also has love, hot sex and family.
Chains just got out of prison, for a crime he did not commit, not a surprise with a corrupt police chief. He is all about finding his face, a niece and nephew! Maddy (Mama Bear) was asked by her friend to take care of two kids since they need a home. She agrees and has been working hard trying to help them get through their trauma. Only to have Chains just show up wanting to take the children. Maddy and Chains make a bargain to help Chains get to know the kids. Not that he truly understands how to know that.
I love a good biker book. I am usually good with the language and the male dominated rules, but I do not always find Chains workable and caring. I loved Maddy and her determination! Chains: Hounds of the Reaper by S J Row is a pretty good read.
I’ve never read this author before and this was a great first in series. Chains is full throttle, alpha, kinda a jerk, but totally devoured to his club and family. Maddy has a lot going on and a horrible past. She does a favor for her friend Izzy and becomes the foster mom to two kids that need to hide from the system, and they happen to be the niece and nephew of Chains. There’s a lot of action, steamy scenes, and I just love the brothers in the MC. Some things get a little too corny for me, like when all the guys go Gaga over the fact that Maddy let’s her hair down and flips it (come on now). A little tighter editing wouldn’t be amiss either. Please be aware that there are triggers in this book, so please check before starting. I cannot wait to read Bulldog’s book.
This was an intense MC story. Love that Mama Bear was fierce from the start. She gave no cares that a group of big MC men showed up at her house. She was ready to knock them all down to protect the kids. Chains was perfect. He had no idea what he was doing at first (or even further, he is trying okay lol) the man is dense in relationships 😑 but everyone was willing to educate the moron and make sure he wasn't going to mess up with Mama Bear. 🔥😈😍 100% would recommend if you love a crazy MC with deep drama and the family vibes.
What I liked : - the chemistry between Maddy and Chains is undeniable, and their dynamic is equal parts fiery and tender. Chains is the typical tough-guy biker with a protective streak, but his vulnerability around kids and his growing affection for Maddy make him a more layered character. - Inta-lust but the romance wasn’t rushed. - Kickass heroin : Maddy is fierce and nurturing, earning her the nickname "Mama Bear." She’s had her share of heartache, but she’s committed to these kids and has built a life around caring for them.
Chain is a member of The Hound Reaper's bike gang and an ex-con who was wrongfully committed. Maddy is the friend of Chain's sister and after her death, Maddy became the caretaker for Chain's niece and nephew. Upon Chain's release from prison his first mission is to find his sister's kids, only the find them with Maddy who refuses to give the kids up.
Chain is a member of The Hound Reaper's bike gang and a wrongfully convicted ex-con. Maddy is Chain's sister's friend, and after her death, Maddy became the caretaker for Chain's niece and nephew. Chain's first mission after being released from prison is to find his sister's children, only to find them with Maddy, who refuses to give the children up.
The story of Chains and Maddy is heartwarming and well-crafted. It really grabs you with his overbearing protectiveness and alpha male traits, paired with her motherly instincts, no holds barred personality, and willingness to do anything for the kids. They were drawn together because of the children, and as time passed, a relationship developed between the two. The author did such a good job with the plot and character development that I felt a connection to not only the main characters but also the supporting cast throughout the book. The plot was well-paced and structured. I liked how the character situations in the book were absorbing and unpredictable, keeping you turning the page. I'm excited to read more from S.J. Rowe.
This is a hard book to review. It started off as a 4 star book for me, but ended as a 1 star. I liked Maddy in the beginning of the book, a strong heroine that loved the kids, stood up for them against Chains and protected them with her life. And then she moved into the clubhouse, her and Chains got together and the whole story crashed and burned. I didn’t like Chains at all through the book. I had high hopes that my opinion of him would change as the book went on, but I liked him less and less. Outside of the H & h there were a lot of things about this book that were just weird. Like, the h has one conversation with Ruby and suddenly their “sisters”. And then there is Teddy, a six year old who only met his uncle when he was an infant, but instantly knows him as his uncle the first time he see’s him because he remembers all the stories his mom told him.. but then later in the book Chains isn’t sure Teddy even remembers his mom? How can he remember her telling him stories about Chains, but not remember her? Just weird. The MC itself was also weird. Too many incidents to spell out here, but definitely not how you would expect members of an MC to act through most of the book. I don’t think I’ll give the second book a chance, at least not anytime soon.
The sample sounded like a maybe so I bought it. Duh. I feel like my pocket got picked. Waiting for Cate C. Wells to finish another MC book I went looking for a new author. This ain't it..Dumb,Dumb, The farther I got into it the cheesier it got. Swiss Cheese Plot holes, OMG the club sluts are called Vamps, reaallly... Vamps 😆.the H is an ahole excon that shows up and screeches every curse word in the book at her and she lets him see the kids. DUH! So a lot of plot holes. in the beginning she talks about a cult buuttt.then we find out it's her uncle who killed her mom while raping her...but it's her 12 year of self that supposedly has a warrant out and she's been in hiding for ten years??? NOPE!! Yet when her aunt dies and she inherits her home, she immediately claims it. Sooo, not really hiding is she? And how did she become such friends with the kids mom when she was hidden away?? And after she's attacked and almost raped, the same evening his boys joke about having her on the pool table. And he says nothing...WTF. Maybe a lot of it gets cleared up in the last half, I don't know. It wasn't worth it for me. Neither character was very likable or realistic so I gave up with a headache😡!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️- This book was okay for me. What I did like: The action scenes! They were awesome and kept you wanting to read. The kids! They were cute and funny. They made the book so cute, and kept me invested. 75% liked Maddy. For the most part she was a badass. I loved her Mama Bear-ness. She’s been through a lot but never let it stop her from trying to love the best life possible. What I did not like: 75% Chains. He was an asshole. There was lots of talk with him and other women even after met Maddy. Like it was gross. He was with other women but had to think of Maddy to finish. 🤮🤮 I really don’t like my romance books when the Hero or Heroine are involved with other people. He had a few redeeming moments in the story but like, not really. There was so much sexual assault involved in this book. Not just mentions but attention to detail of sexual assault. If I would have known and had a trigger warning, I probably would not have read this book. It was hard to read in some parts. Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, violence on women, drug abuse.
I would probably NOT recommend this book unless you can move past the 2 issues I did not like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Chains literally says he’s been getting blowjobs from the vamps (aka club girls) since he met her. Then HOURS later Maddy is willing to lose her virginity to him. He’s rubbing his dick all up and down her pussy, without a condom in sight 🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮
Who would even do that? Has the author never heard of safe sex or STD testing? Cause you don’t give the one you love STI’s.
Come on now people, it’s 2024… Haven’t we all heard Lil Wayne? 🤷♀️ “Great sex is safe sex. Better wear that latex.”
The only reason they didn’t have sex was because she shares with him that she’s a virgin and he runs out on her. Only to come back hours later, with no real apology and to fuck her condom-less 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ cause “he’s clean.” Um, sir, how do you know that? You psychic???
This author just makes me rage!! Plus I feel like I read this same book, but better, by someone else. Am I going to find out later that this author “borrows” from other authors? Cause I feel like I might.
Book started out pretty cool. I like when an author incorporates kids - not just hey I have kids ok now they are at school/babysitter/grandma’s house for the whole book, but actually a part of the book. But about halfway through I just couldn’t handle either character’s internal monologue anymore. I did not want to read “old lady” or “old man” as terms of endearment and commitment one more time. And spoiler alert - even though they refer to vamps all the time, not real vampires (this came as a FB suggestion while I was in a supernatural kick, so I was hoping for vampires/werewolves but no, just people.) DNF at 73% and I read that far bc I’m on a train.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What is with some of these MC authors and the c word.
I’m at 20% and I keep looking to see how much I have left to read. A lot of internal dialogue that has me rolling my hand like I want it to move along.
The “hero” is clueless, the dumb ass actually told her having the vamps suck him off wasn’t cheating. I never got a real MC vibe from it and I read a lot of MC books.
If you need a book where there is a strong female lead it is not here. There is no groveling whatsoever. It would be nice to have a female that actually respects herself and doesn’t let a man walk all over her. The female lead in this book forgave the male lead before he ever even apologized and it drove me nuts and was honestly pathetic. She told him she was a virgin and he freaked and walked out on her and when he came back she just offered herself up again, he didn’t even have to apologize??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well damm, this was the best MC book ever. Great plot, well thought build up, sexy ML, heart warming stories but best of all the utmost strong FL who can hold her own and not in a trashy way
I had a it of a discussion with myself on how to rate this book. It held my interest throughout to the point of struggling to put it down but I did have issues with it and while they wouldn’t bother many a reader, they annoyed me.
Maddie is our heroine and she has really struggled with things growing up. We find out what many of these are over the course of the book so that’s all I’m going to say. She wants to help take care of disadvantaged children, for example doing fostering. When a close friend of hers, a social worker, is looking for a place to young children can stay, off the grid, which is also explained throughout, Maddy agrees to take them in. Both their parents are dead but they do have an uncle who is currently in prison. When de finds out the situation with his niece and nephew, he calls on his brothers in the motorcycle club he’s a member of, he tells them he needs to get out and get them, it’s taken care of and he quickly finds out where they are and goes to take them.
I read very few MC romances, though surprisingly to me, I really enjoyed them both. I’m a big fan of the antihero but MC heroes are too over the top for me to be comfortable with. They are lawbreakers and their attitude and actions towards most women is hard for me take. And Chains, the hero of this book is no different. When he confronts Maddie and demands she give him the kids, she brings out a rifle and shoots the ground at his feet and lets him know how it’s going to be. At this point I’m loving her. She and Chains come to an agreement which includes the children staying with her and Chains coming over nightly to get to know them since his niece is 3 and nephew is 6. Chains was in jail for 5 years so Teddy, his nephew was still a baby and Grace, his niece, is only 3 so he’s never met her.
Because this is an MC book and things can get very violent, there comes a time when Maddie, Teddy and Grace are forced to move into the clubhouse for safety. There is a very strong attraction between Maddie and Chains and romance being romance you a try and guess where this is going..
Generally I’m loving this book but these are my issues and since they are a bit weird and my own, it shouldn’t affect anyone else interested in reading this book. Maddie has a college education though she didn’t get it through normal channels. So her grammar should be fairly good. I am a real stickler for grammar. I sometimes have to bite my tongue when people I’m around use improper grammar to keep myself from correcting them. That is so annoying, to be corrected by some snoot so I don’t do it. At the start of the book, Maddie’s grammar is fine but the more time she spends with the guys in the MC club, the more it deteriorates and it drives me nuts. She uses the word ‘ain’t’ all the time and it’s like nails on a chalkboard. It’s constantly pulling me out while in my head I’m screaming ISN’T, the word is isn’t, not ain’t. I don’t have the same stress level when the guys use it because they are guys and do illegal things. But the heroine? Nope.
The other issue was the very descriptive sex scenes. At first they were fine and i was enjoying them but then they started getting more frequent and longer and more descriptive and I found myself quickly skimming I’m not a prude or one of those readers who have to have a ‘clean’ romance. I find that term quite offensive and judgmental. I just don’t want to be overwhelmed with sex scenes.
But other than those issues I liked the book and have no trouble recommending it. It’s the first in the series and I plan to continue you on with them.
I quit. Stupid plot. Not enough smut for the never ending chubs and wet lady bits that were mentioned for half the book with no pay off. Moronic emotionally immature MMC. Incredibly dumb FMC with a split personality. Cliched FMC who doesn't know how beautiful she is but the entire biker club is salivating over her. Just...save your brain cells and don't read this.
So around 40% we see the FMC get attacked by three bikers from the bad MC. She hid the kids and was valiantly fighting back until they got the upper hand. And then we fall into the nearly raped plot device, to which the MMC manages to save her from being fully assaulted.
My problem with this taking place wasn't that it was unrealistic or upsetting, because the way it was depicted wasnt all that graphic IMHO, especially considering almost all of Maddy's assault was described by another biker in Chain's MC while he watched the security footage as they raced to get there to save her.
But the point is, I just had this gut feeling this wasn't a simple showing of how bad the bad guys really are, ya know? It was obvious it became a vehicle to move the MCs into being together. I mean, after all neither Maddy or Chains had shared one single intimate moment or even a kiss until the assault when Chains briefly kisses her before he sends her off with the doctor. Literally, that was their first kiss. Talk about underwhelming.
Anyway, we eventually see Maddy wake up in Chains bedroom at the clubhouse and after changing into his clothes she goes looking for him or the kids. While navigating the hallway she pauses when a woman, who she assumes is another club girl, which they refer to as "vamps" 🙄 leaving another bedroom. And you want to know what happened then?
This girl, Maddy, who clearly has some sort of traumatic or fucked up past we still have not a single crumb of information about this far btw, just stands there caught up in her thoughts. She sorta berates herself for worrying about how she must look in Chains clothes considering the woman she just saw was beautiful like a model and although she was dressed appropriately (her words) she still had clothes on that barely covered her bits (her words) and so as she stands there she acknowledges how she was nearly raped. How she felt like she actually was raped despite that the guy never penetrated her but yet here she stood obsessing over how she looked and how gorgeous that woman looked and how someone like her could ever pull a guy like Chains when he had someone like her (the model) available ready and willing.
Like, are we for fucking real right now? 🤦🏻♀️🙄😩
So, that was pretty much the end for me. I tried. I wanted to just lose myself in a biker book because it's been so long since I did, and I was willing to excuse alot just for some escapism but damn.
The first forty percent was nothing much happening except for endless drivel from the MCs about how hot the other is and what they do to each other's nether regions. I kid you not. And the first person narrative was fine but atleast twice the FMC basically turns to the reader like: hey girl I know! But if you saw this man in real life you'd understand!
Like what? Now I'm involved and being spoken to like I'm her bestie? What even was that?!
Add the misogynistic crap the MMC spewed about being a pussy or a woman for showing/feeling strong emotions, the terrible treatment of women and calling them bitch and slut unnecessarily and I was beyond over this book and author.
I did skim to 61% just to prove myself right about the FMC being a virgin. Just knew it was going to play out that way and how the MMC freaks out over it and then obsesses over it like it's amazing. Ugh, gross. Then the little boy calling her mom randomly which didn't feel genuine at all.
And there was the lame wishy-washy personality the author couldn't figure out for the FMC. For the most part Maddy seemed strong-willed and take no shit. Definitely felt that way from our first impression of her and when she first meets Chains. But then we see these gaps where she's acting clueless and blushing like a fool over Chains. And even seeming shy and as if she's trying not to be noticed etc. But she also hollering at the top of her lungs in the clubhouse about skanky vamps watching HER kids and then pretending she'll let another guy give her head to teach Chain a lesson when he put his foot in his mouth. And then taking charge by shopping for Bulldogs little girl and buying another member a vape so he wouldn't smoke around the kids.
Like sorry but I got whiplash from all that. Pick a personality and stick to it. Either she was this ballsy and brash "Mama Bear" that everyone kept calling her or she was this scared and on the run traumatized virginal deer in the headlights. Just figure it out.
It was also ironic when Chains laughably claim that the guys in his mc "respect" woman and have some honor when they literally were just out there slut shaming the vamps and shit. Like sure bucko.
And claiming he was clean when he was about to screw Maddy in the shower for the first time and how he wouldn't risk her that way when he literally, just the day before, admitted to getting blow jobs from the vamps even after they met despite thinking of her 🤢🤮 WTF?! Ugh. You can catch shit that way too dumbass.
And to top it all off, learning Maddy's past and her nasty Uncle and how he was to blame for Chains going to prison. Come on people. How ridiculous do we gotta make this? Apparently really ridiculous. But more than anything I just kept thinking that if Chains went to prison for sexual assault and rape then he'd be registered as a sex offender (I may be wrong by my L&O:SVU marathons says no) and if that's the case then my dude would not be allowed anywhere near his niece and nephew. So how the hell is this book even a real thing right now? Dude wasn't cleared of the accusations but somehow bribed his way into being released five years early in his ten year sentence when he found out about his grandma dying and his sisters kids being placed elsewhere.
Which brings me to how stupid this entire book really was!
The FMC was on the run from her corrupt abusive rapist uncle who's a cop and killed her mother and yet she WALKED RIGHT BACK into the same town/or county that she grew up in when her aunt dies to fix up her house. Like, dumbass was ON THE RUN and had a whole ass new identity (don't even get me started on the convenience of how that came about) and she is AFRAID FOR HER LIFE and always looking over her shoulder thinking they're gonna find her. And yet she's just been chilling in her aunt's house for months before she begins fostering Chains sister kids (again a ridiculously unbelievable story of how that came about) and she doesn't think twice about putting two innocent children in danger considering SHE'S ON THE FUCKING RUN FROM HER CORRUPT POLICE OFFICER OF AN UNCLE!!
Honestly, what the fuck was that? Mama Bear my left tit, y'all! I wasn't buying any of that crap. This book was awful and I regret ever wasting my valuable time and dying brain cells on it.
This one I struggled with for so many reasons. Firstly- the writing style ugh . I skimmed heaps because of the incessant inner dialogues that just went on. Someone would ask a question , then we get a huge description of thoughts & feelings waffling on & 5 paragraphs later the other person would answer. I needed more conversations and less repetitive thoughts
The MFC annoyed me. Considering I absolutely love a strong sassy woman who can give her man a run for his money- she was structured the same but didn’t work well at all. She would be strong in the sense she was a good mum , bossy at times and can hold her own . Which was fine. But then we come to point 3 - SPOILER >> chains bangs some biker chick after he meets her ok , he got out of prison il give him that. But then says he felt bad about it so reduced it to getting blow jobs but it’s ok because he was thinking about her. So this is where Maddy’s personality was inconsistent. This is where she should have gone full tilt eff you I’m gone. And there was an awesome opportunity for some great grovel & chains to really win her properly. But she literally went out shopping , came back and it was fine. Seriously SO WEAK.
Is there more? Yes . Yes there is . She gets taken , beaten , chained to a bed , gets her shoulder dislocated , and chocked out within an inch of her life . And in all that time she dosnt pass out, just gets up and runs with the crew who rescue her with a gun like she’s super woman. Nothing about it was realistic. Passing out and being in a mini Como would have been a way better recovery scene . She gets home they have sex and honestly i would think with a face black blue & swollen and an arm that needs a sling , not only does she do it with chains but she’s on top ahahahahha like seriously AGAIN super ridiculous and unrealistic .
The side characters were interesting, but judging from the writing style i don’t think I can endure it again. Shame because it has potential and alpha males are always a win
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book offers a compelling mix of romance, action, and emotional depth. Maddy, the main character, is hiding from a dark past, and her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the guardian of two traumatized children. Chains, an ex-con wrongfully imprisoned, is determined to get his niece and nephew back. Their lives collide in an intense and sometimes humorous way—especially when Chains shows up at Maddy’s door, only to be greeted with a shotgun!
The chemistry between Maddy and Chains is undeniable, and their dynamic is equal parts fiery and tender. Chains is the typical tough-guy biker with a protective streak, but his vulnerability around kids and his growing affection for Maddy make him a more layered character. Maddy, on the other hand, is fierce and nurturing, earning her the nickname "Mama Bear." She’s had her share of heartache, but she’s committed to these kids and has built a life around caring for them.
What I really appreciated was how the romance wasn’t rushed. The bond between Chains and Maddy grows naturally, through shared challenges and mistakes. Chains has no clue how to handle kids at first, but with Maddy’s guidance and the help of his MC "brothers," he steps up. The MC members add a great layer of brotherhood and humor to the story, though some moments, like everyone fawning over Maddy’s hair flip, felt a bit cheesy.
The action ramps up toward the end, as Maddy’s past catches up with her, threatening everything she holds dear, including Chains and the kids. There’s a solid balance of suspense, steamy romance, and emotional stakes. Both Chains and Maddy have deep, tragic backstories, which makes their connection even more meaningful.
There are a few minor flaws—some overly dramatic moments and a need for tighter editing—but overall, it’s a great read, especially if you enjoy biker romance with heart. I’m definitely curious about the next book in the series! Comedy - 3 Spice/Steam - 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Maddy lives her life under an alias name. She hides from someone who is responsible for one if not both of her parents deaths. Her friend, a social worker, talks her into caring for 2 young children who have been traumatized also. She falls in love with them quickly and vows to take care of them.
Chains has been in prison for 5 years, for a crime he didn't commit. When he finds out his sister has died he knows it is time for him to get his niece and nephew. Chains is part of a MC and thankfully they watched over the kids from afar to make sure they were being cared for and safe.
Chains gets out of prison a goes right away to get the kids but he didn't expect the woman answering the door to do it with a shotgun! This is the beginning of Chains and Maddy.
There is quite the spark between these two and their are plenty of mistakes made. Chains has no idea about kids and what they need but between Maddy and his "brothers" at the MC he learns. He also knows he wants Maddy in his life also but she worries what will happen to her when they kids form a relationship with their Uncle. She truly loves these kids.
Someone else isn't done with Maddy though and her past is quickly catching up to her. In a twist, this also impacts Chains" life. Can he keep those he loves safe? Will Maddy ever love him as much as he does her?
Both Maddy and Chains have a sad backstory, Maddy's being more of a tragedy. She is nicknamed "Mama Bear' which totally fits because she is always caring for others. She really gives a lot of herself. She is tough though, she tells it as it is! Chains has his hands full, LOL.
I really loved this story and would like to read more about the rest of the MC!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.
The female lead is not an over the top big mouth, but she's certainly not a helpless screaming-meme either. Maddy is a no-nonsense, get-it-done with minimal mouthing-off kind of woman, but doesn't hesitate to call out the male lead and others on their bad behavior when necessary. To compliment our level-headed survivor of a female is it tough but genuine, caring, man who is protective and possessive without being disgustingly misogynistic.
The only criticism I really have is that the author needs to watch the plot errors regarding descriptions of the characters: the first meeting between chains and Maddie Maddie describes him as having light brown almost golden eyes then later in the book she says he has blue eyes. Another is the initial description of Bulldog, saying he is not as big as Chains, and then when the attack on Bulldog's mother occurs, having chains comment on how huge Bulldog is-- so is he is big as Chains or bigger? I get that this is the first book and the characters are just now being solidified but consistent character descriptions are crucial to a reader's imagery throughout the book and those errors should have been caught in editing. To be fair the plot errors weren't huge and weren't plentiful and most people probably miss them.
The author dealt with some tough subjects: childhood trauma, child abuse, drug use and addiction, sexual assault, murder, stalking, and human trafficking. Each of the topics is handled realistically without being glamorized or excused and is treated as the horror they are. Also this author does not play fast and loose with issues of consent, which I can't say how much I appreciate. So fair readers, dive in and read on! I am pushing on to the second installment myself just now!
Aw man! This was crazy! My emotions were all over the place while reading this. The FMC is strong - and her nick name is a perfect representation of how she is. She'd do anything for them kids.
When Chains said that shit about blow jobs - OOOOOOH! I was so hoping she would fkn punch his ass. When he said that and how he only thought of her, made me ick. He fucked up with her and she forgave him super quickly. Then he fucked up again when he found out he was her first and just up and left her without a word only for EVERYONE in the compound to know about what happened. Embarrassing! The guys were right about him screwing up with her that he would lose her. I mean it would totally be up to her about who she is with, but the men wouldn't just sit by and accept his claim, they would make their moves to try and win her over and he would only have himself to blame if he had to see her with another man. BUT that didn't happen. Though, when she started asking around trying to figure out about who would be giving her head since ya know, it's not cheating ;) I cracked up laughing sooo hard. Like BOOM! Can't have your cake and eat it too. lmao Though she forgave him for everything REALLY quickly. I hate when that happens, 'cause it makes it seem like the FMC feelings are not valid and what she goes through doesn't matter as long as the guy is hot and knows how to work her body. Which is wrong. They should have to deal with the consequences of their actions.
Other than that It was really good. I was really sad when their story ended. Its crazy how she spent her whole life on the run like that. I loved both the main characters and I loved the story.
On the brink of release from prison, James 'Chains' Randall learns of his sister's passing, and his mind goes to one place- her kids. Maddy, as a favor to a friend in Child Protective Services, takes them in and is not about to let a motorcycle riding criminal with a mouth to match, take them. Can they reach an agreement on what is best for three year old Grace and six year old Teddy (which by the way not a club environment) or will Chains fight her for his family?
There is next to no background information given through seven chapters. Examples- Where does the story take place? What time of year is it (no mention of school)? What is Maddy's job? What is the allowance she receives as a foster parent? How old is she? What are the secrets from her past that keep her running? Where does Chains' share of money from the club come from aside from the shop? How old is Chains? What was he in prison for? How did Jennie die? And how can one kill members of a rival club and use grenades and no police are involved? What about explosives that put your own in harms way? Even in SOA (otherwise too many similarities btw), the original sheriff was in their back pocket.
While it is easy to get oneself caught up in the story and just keep reading until you can't keep your eyes open, I do not find the chemistry between Chains and Maddy as strong as I thought I would. Also, the author has Chains say that Maddy is his woman and that she is not like the vamps way too many times. And third, the use of -ain't- is extremely bothersome and overkill. Just because someone is in a motorcycle club does not mean they cannot speak proper English. And what's Maddy's excuse? I just read it as -isn't-. This may sound weird, but I just cannot picture the person on the cover saying these things (not that he matches Chains' description); it just doesn't fit nor does his affiliation with a motorcycle club.