Melancholy (Jokers' Wrath MC)

wow what powerful and raw beauty that took place throughout this story, I read this book in under 8 hrs that is how intense and involve and captivate this story is, that by the time you go to turn the page you realize that you are coming to the end and yet your heart is still pumping fast and your palms are sweaty and your nerves are on fire and your emotions are about to explode for all the high's and low's., and that my friends is what a heartfelt, passionate, hot & sexy and seriously fantastic and brilliantly written story should be told and have you feeling., I love the dedication and power that you feel coming from Maddox for his feelings for Santana and for the members of his club., as times I would have shaken Santana for not realizing how he felt for her all along, but then again I can't fault the girl for thinking with love filled eyes, after all love is blind, right..lol She was so in love that even she didn't see the depths of it and confused her at times, but what really has you so in tuned to Santana's character is that she has such a rare strength and passion that is just as powerful as Maddox's dedication that if you don't read carefully you will miss it and just assume she is acting young and being a brat when she is not, she is shining in all the ways that is deep within her and yet hard to express, and I am so great-full that I was able to see and feel it, and i only hope that I can apply that type of strength and passion in my life as well.. another greatness to this book was that it was in both there POV's which I absolutely love, cause I feel it adds life, along with real emotions to a story and gives you a more realization and connection to the characters when you are able to see there point and hear there story and there emotion's from them as there story is being told and I feel it also strengthens the story as well.. A Must 5-star and Highly recommended read :)

This second book in the Jokers' Wrath series tells the story of Santana and Maddox. Picking up where book 1 left off, Santana's past is told in several flashbacks interspersed throughout the story. There is so much more to the sweet girl we met in book 1 than I would have guessed. She had led such a tragic life before Maddox took her in. He saved her and in some ways, she saved him too. Santana's feelings for Maddox, and his for her, are apparent to everyone except the two of them it seems. Finally, they clue in and the rest is history, more or less. Then, the secret that Maddox has kept from her is brought to light and the s**t hits the fan...but don't blink or you might miss it! The speed and ease with which Santana decided to forgive and forget Maddox's missteps made me question whether I was more upset than she was! The same was true for Ash in book 1. For such strong women, they certainly lose their fight quickly! I want to see them make these guys work for it! Instead, they get a halfhearted apology and they cave. What's worse is that every time Maddox screwed up royally, or was acting like a jerk, it was portrayed as Santana's fault. About half the time SHE actually ended up apologizing for causing his behavior! Overall, I thought the story was good and I liked it. My dislikes are pretty similar to my gripes about book1. Ms. Jewel does a wonderful job of building anticipation, but when the "big event" finally occurs, it feels anticlimactic. I have been left feeling a bit let down more than once in this series. Seriously! Major conflicts between the H/h should not be resolved with a simple conversation or two covered in a few pages of content, when 1/2 the book was leading up to that moment. Otherwise, the characters are interesting and the chemistry is strong. I still enjoyed the story, just thought the delivery could be better at times.

Melancholy is the second book in the Jokers’ Wrath MC series. In this lovely gem we get involved in the lives of Maddox, the Jokers’ President and Santana, the woman he saved and has been protecting for the past five years. All while getting to know this two fire crackers, the Jokers’ still have the Tinmen MC to deal with continuing from incidents that took place in Precarious (Ash & Krypts story). Things have settled down a little with the war, but it has not been wrapped up and now the main target is Santana because she is so close and means so much to Maddox and Maddox is harboring a secret that could very well destroy any kind of relationship with Santana. In the end of Precarious, Maddox, Krypt and Ash have a bit of a somewhat threesome and one of the whores tells Santana. Santana reacts in a way that no one really saw coming. She storms out of the picnic at the club feeling betrayed by Ash and Maddox. The reaction she has shocks her as well. And this is where the story begins. I had an absolute blast reading this sequel in the series and to me each book just keeps getting better. What I love most is that even though the stories focus on a particular couple they still have bigger matters in the background and sometimes in the foreground, which then includes all the characters from book 1 and more. So even though the main story is about Maddox and Santana, Krypt and Ash are still very prominent in the story along with the family of bikers that belong to the Jokers’ Wrath. The chemistry between Maddox and Santana is explosive, yet they keep fighting their feelings for each other. In this story, you find out just how much Maddox cares about Santana, and that their relationship is definitely not a father daughter type relationship. However, it is frustrating at times because of how much one of them fights the other on it, but that is what keeps the story very interesting. The protectiveness Maddox has over Santana is total Alpha Male and I love it. He interferes with her life on a level that would make any woman under his care what to punch him in the face, but you know it’s because he cares. She loves it even though she fights it pretty much the whole time. I love how Ash and Santana are really close even after the incident between Maddox, Krypt and Ash. So much drama and tragedy happens in this story it makes your heart swell. It made me seriously tear up so many times, and I just didn’t think anything or anyone was going to come out of these horrid situations. It all made for a very compelling story. If you love MC books you will definitely love this heartfelt story.

After reading Precarious we couldn't wait to dive into Melancholy, hello Maddox… This book kept us on our toes from start to finish and certainly didn't disappoint us. This series just keep getting better. "My world went from beautiful to hell in a matter of hours. That’s all it takes to change a life— a mere few hours." We meet Maddox and Santana in Precarious, Book 1 of the Jokers’ Wrath MC Series. Melancholy is told in past and present chapters and dual POV. We are taken back in time where we learn of Santana's painfully heartbreaking past, life before Maddox wasn't roses, thank god he saved her. "You decide how you want to honor the work you’ve put into your life so far. You give it up, or you get up, take my hand, and keep fu€kin’ fighting.” Maddox got more than he bargained for the day he saved Santana... He is one hell of an alpha male, he's controlling, bossy, dominating and fiercely protective. That dirty mouth of his *mmmm Maddox*. Santana isn't a pushover but she knows when she can get away with mouthing off and when she needs to reel it in. While Maddox might be her saviour he is also everything she thought she had to stay away from. Thinking that a good man is everything she needs and not a biker, Santana starts dating Alec a man that from the outside looks like he has it all together, but looks and actions can be can be deceiving. After getting herself into a situation that only Maddox can help her out of Santana realizes she’s in love with Maddox but doesn't think she is good enough for a man like Maddox, how could a man like Maddox ever love a girl like her... "If you would open your fu€kin’ eyes instead of lookin’ at me like I’m the worst fu€kin’ thing you could have in your life, you would see what’s right in front of you." Maddox NEEDS Santana, she bought something out in him the he never thought he could feel for someone. As much as he wants her he thinks Santana deserves so much better than life in a MC. Mack (Maddox's brother) lays it out for Santana. After playing the cat and mouse game with each other Maddox and Santana’s chemistry together is like fireworks on New Years... If you thought their sexual tension and sassy banter was hot, when they get together you will need to fan yourself. Maddox holds some important information, five years he's kept this from her, holding it back knowing she would do something stupid. It will break her when she finds out he's known and kept from her. How will Santana take the news? Because when she finds out all hell is about to break lose in more ways than one. Santana and Maddox’s relationship and lives are going to be put to the test, will they survive the heartache thet comes their way? Melancholy was an awesome follow up to Precarious. We are loving this series, the characters you can't help but love them.There is so much we wanted to say but can't without spoiling the book. If you loved Precarious you are going to love Melancholy. We can't wait to dive into Anguish, Mack’s book is definitely keeping us intrigued. Congratulations Bella Jewel on another amazing book and addition to the Jokers’ Wrath MC series.

I am completely hooked on Bella Jewel's Jokers' Wrath MC series!! There are certain things which grab me and hold my attention while reading: suspense, danger, alpha males, damsel in distress, strong female lead characters, sexual chemistry... I specifically look for books with these elements. I also love series books because of the relationships that are introduced in the first book continue throughout the rest of the books. The familiarity with the characters, watching them, how they care, how they treat their loved ones and friends – this feels an empty space inside me. Gives me a feeling of friends and family. Whether it’s their friendly banter or their more down to business and cut through the crap side, I feel connected and part of the scene. This particular book centered around Maddox and Santana. The back story is: Maddox (President of the Jokers’ Wrath MC) found Santana on the streets, half dead, when she was in her teens. Maddox along with his half brother Mack, took her in and helped her move forward. She’s grown now, but she is not worldly wise… she makes bad judgment calls, tends to pout and be bratty. There is definite chemistry between Maddox and Santana, but they just are not clicking (yet). As the story progresses, danger and suspense increase. Maddox puts his life on the line for Santana and for his brothers in the Motorcycle Club. Crap happens and they are all stuck in the middle of it. My opinion of Santana got much better towards the finale of the book, I believe that as she and Maddox worked things out between them, she finally found peace, increased maturity, belonging and security with that. Before, without the commitment of Maddox, she was basically just like a kid just going through the motions, with not much sense of direction or purpose or maturity. This story was just so very good. Really great!

I originally finished Precarious around the time that it was released and I was super anxious to read what happened after Santana found out about that shocking threesome with Maddox, Krypt, and Ash (hawt!!). Well, time passed and I sort of lost interest in these stories because I sort of forgot what Precarious was about, and also (mainly), I didn't have Melancholy to continue on in the series. When I was finally able to not only get Melancholy but the last two in this series, I really had to build up the courage to begin reading this series again because Precarious sort of pissed me off with the love-triangle, and also because I had been having a bad rash of mediocre books fall into my hands. But, OH.MY.GOODNESS, when I say that I couldn't put this book down for anything, that's exactly what I mean. This book packed a sledgehammer sized punch, it was so good. One thing (yes only one) that shocked me was how much I disliked Santana in this book. She was such a likable character in Precarious that I thought that I could really count on her appealing attributes to really make this book perfect in every way. I was wrong to assume that! She did something stupid once and paid the consequences, because I understood where she was coming from I let my irritation slide by the wayside, but when the same behavior surfaced a second time I was sold on the fact that she was a brat who wasn't capable of thinking for herself because she not only put herself, but others in danger all because of her 'feelings.' In Melancholy we really get to see a side of Maddox that we definitely didn't see in Precarious, matter of fact we get to see a side of Krypt that we didn't get to see in Precarious either. In this second installment of the Jokers' Wrath MC series, Maddox is more than the president, he's more than the guy that was portrayed to in control of everything involving Santana, and Krypt, also, showed that the men that follow Maddox and call him brother are more than followers, or men looking to be a part of something huge, they are a family in the purest sense of the word. They respect Maddox, but they won't hold their tongue when it comes to helping a brother from a destructive path. With all the twists and turns that surfaced in Melancholy you bets believe that Anguish in the near future is next on my list to read. That ending!!!!

I'm so glad I decided to look past the slight irritation the first book caused me and read this one. I was also a little more intrigued to see Santana and Maddox's story unfolds. It was not disappointing at all. This book did a flash back every few chapters so you could watch how Santana became the way she is in present day and how Maddox helped care for her and love her. That was nice and helpful for back story. Maddox is one sexy beast! The sexual tension between him and Santana is insane and you just want to lock them in a room until they get it over with already. Maddox is a huge alpha possessive male, he truly does care for Santana and wants her to be happy, he'd just prefer it's with him. Maddox is trying to deal with the fact that Santana is currently seeing a "Pretty Boy" and can't open her eyes to what Maddox can offer her. He's not shy about letting Santana and her Pretty Boy know how much he doesn't like the fact that she's dating someone besides him. When it comes down to it though, Maddox would die for Santana and has protected her to the best of his ability all these years. But he's holding a secret from her that can change the course of their relationship forever. I loved Santana, I liked her a lot in the first book and I adored her in this book. She is sweet but also sassy, she holds her ground as best she can against Maddox and doesn't put up with his bulls***. The only thing that bothers me about her is she is such a brat sometimes. A huge brat, to the point where I want to smack her for some of her actions because they are stupid and she's not thinking of anyone but herself in that moment. Yes, she realizes afterwards that she has possibly hurt someone else with her actions, but it's like she never learns. Not understanding her issue all the way. I get her character is supposed to be a brat, it get's laid out multiple times in the book and I understand it's part of her character flaw. But moving past that, she's great. I loved their story, I can't wait for Mack's story next! He seems dreamy and complicated :) I really recommend giving this book a shot even if you didn't fully dig the first one, you won't be sorry.

This is the second book in the new Joker's Wrath MC series by Bella Jewel and in many ways I actually liked this one even better than Precarious, the first book where we were introduced to Krypt and Ash, Maddox and Santana, and the rest of the club members, including Maddox's brother Mack. I really love the whole sense of family and "brotherhood" dynamics in an MC and when you throw in their women and all the drama that follows, it gets really interesting. Maddox took in a near dead Santana when he found her drugged out on the streets many years ago, and after caring for her like family, they of course developed feelings that were anything but "family" like. Of course he had a whole string of women to keep him satisfied and when we left them in Precarious, Santana had witnessed Maddox in a threesome with Krypt and Ash, effectively breaking her heart and throwing everyone into a tailspin...but at this point nobody had expressed or admitted their true feelings. In Meloncholy, those deep seated feelings come to the surface, are explored and dealt with and the search for Santana's sister Pippa comes to the forefront when lies are uncovered and truths are finally revealed. There was plenty of steaming hot romance in this one as well (I was so anxious to see M & S finally get it on!) and the family bonds between all the brothers are tested and strengthened as they help their Prez save the sister of the woman he loves. This book also ends with an HEA for the main couple and a new cliffhanger of a story for Mack. Another exciting biker romance that I could not put down! ***** 5 ***** "sometimes love beats out all else" stars

I really didn't want this book to end! I love the chemistry between Maddox and Santana. Loved how everyone was included. I even cried in some spots. Way to go!!

Awesome read, I absolutely loved Maddox and Santana’s story ❤️❤️❤️ all they did was fight and argue lol but underneath all the snarky words was love. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤

No one writes an MC book quite like Bella does, this beautifully written story took my breath away. Melancholy is book 2 in the Jokers Wrath series it's been a while since I'd read Precarious ( book 1 ) so I was a little worried that I'd be lost reading this book but it reads as a stand alone story with the characters from book 1. Melancholy follows Santana and Maddox and their passionate relationship. Through dual POV from the past we find out exactly how Santana came to be in Maddox's care. After many years of believing her only remaining relative is dead Santana discovers the truth, that the only person she trusts has lied to her. Can Santana forgive him for the sake of her sister ? I loved this book, it's been a while since I'd read any of Bella's books, I'd forgotten just how good her books are, you can't go wrong with her books. You are transported to a world of violence, hot sex, hot biker men and a great story ! MC book at its best !!!

Che emozione quando, conclusa la lettura, ho dato cinque stelle! Sono veramente contenta perché, dopo essere rimasta un po' così con Precarious, finalmente ho ritrovato la Bella Jewel che ho inserito nella mia Top Autori con Life After Taylah :D In un certo senso, quando ho iniziato questo secondo libro della sua serie MC, sapevo già che sarebbe successo. E come facevi a saperlo?, chiederete voi. Sei per caso una veggente?, domanderete voi. Na na na :P Guardate, mi basta una parola per spiegarvi questo mio presentimento. Maddox. Presidente dei Jokers' Wrath, è stato il mio preferito fin dal suo primo ingresso nel primo libro della serie. Oh boy O_O Ragazze mie, voi non potete capire cos'è stato il primo bacio tra Maddox e Santana. Ma che sto dicendo?! Quello non si può definire bacio: è stato sesso allo stato puro! Qualcuna di voi è mai stata baciata così? Aw, magari *Q* E il bello è che, precedentemente, Maddox le aveva spiegato che quando un uomo ▬ un uomo vero, un maschio ▬ ti bacia sul serio, lo senti dappertutto. Uuuh che caspita di callldo >.< A quella battuta volevo lanciare il libro fuori dalla finestra perché non si puòòò >.< Datemi un Maddox, per favore T_T Torniamo alla trama :P E' molto più intrigante di quella del suo predecessore, ovviamente, altrimenti non avrebbe avuto punteggio pieno ;) Si respira un'aria del tutto diversa: c'è più azione e il mondo dei MC ha più spazio. Ma soprattutto, la relazione tra Santana e Maddox ha molto angst, ovvero è molto tormentata. Ci sono flashback che ci mostrano il passato di Tana con la sua sorellina Pippa e quello che hanno dovuto affrontare per sopravvivere. Sguardi al passato di un'importanza fondamentale, direi, perché Maddox nasconde un enorme segreto che minaccia di portargli via per sempre la donna di cui è innamorato . . . Le scene di sesso sono la fine del mondo e la passione che divampa tra i due protagonisti fa avvampare, ve lo garantisco. Maddox è di una rudezza troppo, troppo arrapante. Avete tutte presente Jax Teller di Sons of Anarchy, vero? Ecco, moltiplicate per mille e capirete di cosa sto parlando :3 Ah, vi ho accennato al fatto che il bel Maddox è anche un tipo piuttosto suscettibile e geloso? Eheheeheheh be', lo scoprirete quando il ragazzo che frequenta Santana busserà alle porte del club per portarla fuori a cena xD Mmh mmh mmh . . . stavo dicendo? Ah sì sì, volevo spendere due paroline per la parte action nelle pagine finali. Oh my God °_° non me lo aspettavo, accidenti, non me lo aspettavo proprio! Sì, perché nel primo volume i toni da MC sono stati bassini ▬ sì, è volato un po' di sangue, ma non ai livelli di questo secondo libro! Wow wow e ancora wooow *O* Sono sobbalzata, ero del tutto impreparata a . . . quello ▬ tanto che ho pensato: "Vuoi vedere che la cara Bella mi sorprenderà con . . . ?". Se lo ha fatto o no, sta a voi scoprirlo! :D Bello, bello, bello. Per la milionesima volta, io adoro lo stile di Bella Jewel e non vedo l'ora che escano i cartacei dei suoi nuovi libri per immergermi nelle altre storie create dalla sua mente passionale e accattivante ♥

A great story. Gritty. Enjoy this series and author. Looking forward to more books and following the characters story line.