Reaper's Stand

In Wylde's sexy fourth Reapers Motorcycle Club novel (after Devil's Game), promiscuous but respected Reapers president Reese Hayes, harder than nails but still soul-crushed by the long-ago death of his wife, meets his match in equally tough London Armstrong. London's company cleans one of the club's businesses, and after she and Reese cut a deal, she personally cleans his house. A sudden kiss in the early pages strains credulity, but after that the pace of their interest settles down to something more believable. London is juggling her completely irresponsible, giddy attraction to a dangerous man alongside her challenging duty as guardian to her druggie cousin's wayward teen daughter, Jessica; the two collide when Jessica runs afoul of a ruthless drug cartel. Reese might be the only one who can save London's impossible young charge, but he's also the one her life or death hinges on. With London's many foolish choices and Reese's borderline misogynistic views, both are hard to like, but fascinating club details and quick pacing hold the attention. Agent: Amy Tannenbaum, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Oct.)