Reaper's Fall

October 5, 2015
Wylde’s fifth Idaho-set Reapers Motorcycle Club contemporary (after Reaper’s Stand) starts out strong but runs out of gas just shy of the end. Melanie Tucker was just a teen when handsome biker Painter went to jail. Her letters to him started just as a way to say thank you for loaning her his car, but they eventually turned into a lifeline for both of them. Once he’s released, they find their way to each other, despite everyone warning each of them away. The sparks predictably fly, but sometimes simple sparks are never enough. The world of the club is well developed and lovingly described, but some of the effort expended there might have been better used on characterization and a less stereotypical ending. There are several nice twists to keep things interesting, but Melanie and Painter both come across as somewhat flat. Fortunately, the supporting cast is wonderfully larger than life. Agent: Amy Tannenbaum, Jane Rotrosen Agency.