Ride Rough
by Laura Kaye
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Avon
Book #2 in the Raven Riders series
Number of Pages: 480
Kindle
Source: MCL
Contemporary Romance M/F
Rating: XXX
Read 7/22/20 to 7/23/20
Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.
Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.
Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.
There’s a part of me that is chomping at the bit for Cora’s story, but I was also looking forward to this Maverick/Alexa story to play out. And wow, what a roller coaster or emotions.
I like Alexa. She’s a good person and a very caring and patient daughter. But I also dislike a lot of things Alexa did in the past. It just doesn’t make sense to me. It was always Alexa and her brother against the world. Their mom loved them and is not a malicious person, but she is mentally ill. Having her brother by her side helped Alexa get through her childhood. Maverick was there, too. As her brother’s best friend, he often helped with any issues that came up because of their mom. So, when Alexa lost her brother, by pushing Maverick away she essentially left herself with nobody. That’s not Maverick’s fault, that’s her fault. I know we do crazy and inexplicable things when we’re grieving, but she sure dug her feet in and became stubborn to her own detriment.
That’s not to say I am victim blaming Alexa when it comes to her fiancé. This story is written in such a way that the reader is able to see and understand how Alexa got caught in her fiance’s web long before he showed his true nature. And, because of her sense of duty toward her mom, among other things, got really and truly caught in a situation that seemed to have no good end in sight.
For his part, Maverick is beyond understanding. Since the Raven Riders help so many people, most notably women and children in bad situations, he understood Alexa’s problem without judging her for falling into the trap that is abuse. He’s seen it time and time again with others so was able to offer compassion and a way out. Of course, he had some issues to work out with himself because of the way things ended with Alexa all those years ago. But he made it very clear he was there for her no matter what…relationship or not.
This story packed a punch when it came to corruption. I didn’t know who to trust, and I’m sure the Raven Riders were having the same issue. Some of the “fringe” people are sure to make for more great storytelling in the future. This author is amazing at writing thrilling twists and turns and off the charts chemistry.
All In Good Time 