| Title | : | Making the Cut (Selected Sinners MC, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 273 |
| Publication | : | First published January 27, 2015 |
Determined to remove herself from the rules and regulations of her overbearing religious parents, Avery escapes to college and is determined to make it on her own. Working as a bartender, and mere weeks before her college graduation, she finds herself face to face with thirty members of an Outlaw Motorcycle Club.
She had no idea when the President of the club walked in she'd go weak in the knees for the gorgeous tattooed biker.
Axton (aka Slice) is the President of the Selected Sinners MC. At the onset of a huge gun deal with a notorious prison gang, he has no time or desire to have a woman in his life. Abused by his Hell's Angel father as a child, and wronged by every woman in his past, Axton has one devotion - the MC.
After finding out he needs Avery's Criminal Justice education and her linguistic skills to assist in making the gun deal a success, Axton reluctantly approaches her to act as his interpreter.
Hoping to win Axton over, Avery attempts to turn off her smart mouth, turn on her charm, and become his woman of interest; even if it means sacrificing a level of independence she's grown accustomed to.
But when the gun deal goes to hell in an hand basket, both Avery and Axton are left wondering what their next move may be.
NOTE TO READERS* This book is a stand-alone love story and the first book of a series. No other book is required to tell THIS tale. It does have graphic violence, explicit language, sexual situations, and the intricacies of being in an Outlaw Motorcycle Club depicted. All sexual partners in this MC Erotic Romance are over the age of 18. Stand alone love story. HEA. No cliff hanger.
If you enjoyed Kick, Throb, or Fat Louise, you'll certainly enjoy this book.
Making the Cut (Selected Sinners MC, #1) Reviews
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4 Stars
Sooooo...I'm going to kick this this thing off by sharing with everyone my new favorite "word of the week," compliments of this book.
Choad.
Yup, that's right.
Choad.
You may already know what it means and you may not, but apparently, Choad - according to Making the Cut...AND my handy helpmate the Urban Dictionary - is a dick.
Specifically, a short and chubby one.
What you say?
All I know is:
1) This is out-fucking-standing.
2) I want to see one. Stat.
3) I have been calling all my buddies at work "Choad" all day long.
4) And, most importantly, I was able to impress my husband - yet again - with yet more superfluous dick language:
Me: Do you know what "choad" means?
Husband: No idea.
Me(*fist pump*): Apparently it's a dick that's wider than it is long.
Husband: (Long pause) Is that even possible?
But I digress.
On to the review...
I really enjoyed this book.
And do you know what I liked most about it?
Accuracy.
Correct federal and state gun laws? Check.
Legit prison vs street gang knowledge and culture? Check.
Usage of super glue as liquid stitches? Check.
So many MC books or books involving prisons are written with no actual knowledge, no apparent research, and plainly no common sense.
(I'm looking at
you. And
you...And
you too.)
Needless to say, I find it refreshing - and uber impressive - to read something written by someone who actually knows their shit.
I say in my "about me" section that I have a tendency to come off as blunt and abrasive.
Well, so does this author.
Written in a very "in your face," non sugar-coated style, the prose is less poetic heart & flowers "political correctness" and more "this is how it is - take it or leave it."
And.
I.
Dig.
It.
You know who your characters are, you know what they believe, and their actions are in alignment with those qualities.
But, best of all? They make no apologies for any of it.
Axton was an endearing badass.
And Avery?
She is a real girl.
She knows who she is.
She knows what - and who - she wants.
And she goes for it.
My only complaint is that numerous plot points - while very interesting - were a little disjointed in the larger flow of the over arching story line.
Some points were executed well, but never brought up again later in the story, while others were completely abandoned with no clear resolution - leaving the reader to wonder why certain minute things were even included in the story...as they seemingly served no apparent purpose in characterization or to the final story line.
Also, like my new friend Choad, while - ahem - quite girthy in accuracy, plot and characterization, the story was a little short in the romance department. What was there was awesome don't get me wrong...
I just wanted more of it.
We always knew what the characters were thinking and what they believed, but I didn't always know what they were feeling.
Regardless, the romance - while not necessarily traditional romance novelesque - was believable and grounded in reality. No insta-love here.
That in conjunction with the writing style and the overall authenticity leaves me with very high hopes for Book Two.
***ARC provided by author (brave soul) for an honest review*** -
~4.5 Mission Accomplished Stars~
"Living life is similar to assembling a puzzle without the box to show you what it will look like when you’re done. One piece after another pressed into place until eventually you begin to understand just what it is that sits before you."
Making the Cut Is the first book in the Selected Sinners MC Series. Although each book can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning and reading every last syllable. After reading Ex-Con and Money Shot earlier this year, I simply couldn't help myself! These characters have been ingrained in my mind and have stolen my heart! I simply had to start back at book one "the beginning" to capture the true essence of the entire Selected Sinners MC! This is one story arc that I want to indulge in thoroughly and completely!
Axton aka "Slice" is the President of the Selected Sinners. He is rough, straightforward, and perfectly comfortable in his own skin. Axton is loyal to his brothers and his "take no bullshit" mantra is the driving force in keeping the club on the straight and narrow. Although he enjoys a casual fling on occasion, he has vowed to never take an old lady!"I damned sure didn't nor would I ever need a woman to help me get through life. To me, being in a relationship with a woman was similar to having a rattlesnake for a pet."-Axton
That age old saying of "never say never" happens to ring true for Axton when he meets Avery.
Avery is a street smart independent woman who has fled her religious upbringing in order to make a future for herself. Studying criminology at the local college, tending bar, and spending time with her "polar opposite" best friend (and roommate) keeps Avery very busy. Living in a state of "simple contentment" her eyes are opened wide when the rumbling sounds of bikes roll into her bar one night."I want to be on the back of your bike before the summer is over. What are the chances of that?"-Avery
Avery and Axton's relationship is nothing short of an epic love story. There is no "insta-lust/love connection" present but instead a "slow and steady" progression that builds in intensity from moment to moment. Axton is very cautious in taking his time building a friendship with Avery. Although the sexual desire he has to be with her is strong, he wages an internal war everyday over the feelings she has evoked in him. The idea of him trusting and loving a woman is completely foreign and the battle waged is real. Avery is a woman of integrity. She recognizes her desire to be with Axton and in turn allows him the space and time he needs to concede to his need of her in his life. Slowly but surely Axton makes small steps towards making Avery a place in his heart. Inch by inch the urgency for them to come together was like a melodic underscore hovering over the action of the MC, the daily goings of the brothers, and the quirky business of Avery's roommate. This unique blend shaped Making the Cut into a truly exceptional read."It would be so nice if something made sense for a change."-Avery
"It was crucial that the relationship proceeded at Axton's pace, not mine. Most women would be frustrated or disappointed with the return of their investment with Axton. I, on the other hand, was absolutely thrilled with what I had received from him."-Avery
Told in dual POV, both main characters transform into better individuals due to the presence of the other in their life. Axton's dark edges are refined and Avery's determination, admiration, and respect for Axton only brought her pure joy and satisfaction. Avery finds her place by Axton's side. If you are a reader that depends on that 35-47% "quick screw" this is not the read for you. This is a even paced carefully crafted love story where the characters take their time finding their way together. Although upon first glance Avery may seem to be simplistic and easily swayed, I found her character to be in depth and highly attuned to the needs and desires of Axton. In reality, why wouldn't we want to please the one we love? I found Axton and Avery's story to be quite refreshing and in true Hildreth fashion "unique and straightforward"! In addition to the complex character development, the story has a solid story arc with a well developed beginning, middle, and end. The action is intense and the focus remains on "brotherhood"! Although there was a bit of a wait for the main characters to find physical intimacy, I can assure you the reward was well worth the wait!
"Strangely, I came to realize the one person who I knew had my back in a life or death situation wasn't a brother, but a bitch. And a damned good bitch at that."-Axton
Overall, Making the Cut was interesting, witty, engrossing, and a truly remarkable start to what promises to be an amazing series. I highly recommend this author's work and I look forward to reading more!
***Selected Sinners MC Series***
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
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Avery:
Axton:
I'm a dog lover, so you're probably wondering what the hell does that have to do with this book review? Well, if you have a dog or had a dog you know how you can yell at a dog, tell him/her to leave you alone and the next day when you come home from work they are still wagging their tales, jumping all over you, so damn excited to see you. You can forget to feed it or walk it and still loves you unconditionally? Yea, that's what the heroine reminded me of. A dang on dog!
Avery is 24, graduating from college.. with some mommy and daddy issues, and some major self esteem issues! She works as a bartender at some hole in the wall bar, she is super skinny and describers her looks more often than not as a "boy". She is supposed to be flat chested with 0 booty. So yea, her self esteem is shit. She shares a 600 sq feet apartment with her best friend Sloan, who is "perfectly shaped, with extra large boobs"
Now what bothered me the most was that instead of rocking her size -10 body she was constantly complaining about it! Constantly staring at her best friend which came totally lesbo (my personal opinion). Then one night the bikers come in when she is working the bar and Avery sets her eyes on Axton, the president of the MC. She propositions him with her so called skinny boyish body within a few minutes of meeting him. Slut much? You were just boohooing about looking like a boy but have the confidence to approach the sexiest man you laid eyes on?
Um...okaaaaay?
So Avery and Axton form this friendship, hang out, yada yada yada! Then one night all of a sudden Avery loves herself, she loves her body and all of a sudden Sloan is no longer the perfect body but a fat ass. Sloan is supposed to be so fat she wouldn't able to fit on the back of a Harley?
Now, Avery is feeling a bit jealous because Sloan sets her eyes on Axton too but for you to start bashing her body since it was "sooooo" perfect last week? Jealous much, Avery?
Then what really made me rethink this whole book was that Sloan was about to sleep with one of the prospects named Cash, and he supposidly has an inch of a penis, it's just a big old shroom head with nothing else.. So Axton takes his MC club of 30 something men and strips Cash so he can see with his own eyes the size of his penis! Yes ladies, and then he takes out a ruler, a goshdarn ruler and measures it!
So, this is not my first MC book, and it won't be my last but I have never ever in my life read where the president of an MC club takes a ruler and measures a prospects penis? Like who the fuck does that?
I'm giving this book a 1.5 and that's me being generous for all the giggles I got out of this nonsense! Seriously?! -
I picked this book up because a few of my friends liked it and as a self proclaimed biker bitch I could not pass it without giving it a ride :P
But imagine my disappointment when I couldn't love the characters and because of that the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth and a pile of disappointment :(
Axton a.k.a. Slice is the President of the Selected Sinners MC and an outlaw. He runs the club with an iron fist and all his "brothers" are 1%ers. So far so good, but early on I discovered that he was actually a big fat MISOGYNIST and even if bikers aren't exactly "gender equality activists" I haven't met a biker before that was so hateful against women.
And don't even get me started on Avery. She comes out as this sweet college student with her own insecurities about her body and a firecracker spirit at times...but we soon discover that she is actually a mean girl when she wants to be, getting excited and happy when her roommate and best friend (bad best friend but she chose her) is getting fat and that actually makes her feel better about herself...
She is also willing to do whatever it takes to get a man she wants...even if that means changing the person she is, talking only when she thinks he wants her too, doing only things he wants and so on...
Because of this two characters enjoying this novel became a task near impossible. I did like the authors writing style, the plot and the other characters.
Overall the book wasn't bad (thanks to the action part of it) but at the end it did feel a little flat and .
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Completing a Criminal Justice Major in College and attending under a volleyball scholarship, Avery is a competitive woman. She works as a bartender at night. She yearns for an alpha male bad-boy. Someone she naturally couldn't have. She desires the challenge of attempting to obtain the impossible.
When the Selected Sinners Motorcycle Club ride into her bar one night, she is immediately attracted to the sound of the bikes, the sight of the MC, and the overall attractive appearance of one particular member. As she approaches the member, she determines he is the President of the club, Axton (aka Slice).
Immediately, she is drawn to him.
When asked the chances of ever riding on his motorcycle, Axton responds, "Your chances are two-fold, slim and not at all..."
She accepts the slim challenge, and immediately begins to attempt to charm him.
The book advances in a manner which would accurately depict the fact an Outlaw MC club President is being approached by an outsider. There's no insta-love, no immediate "Oh my God, I want to get married" bullshit here. Only realistic feelings, realistic reservations, and realistic precautionary measures.
The ancillary characters in the club are entertaining and have great depth, as does Avery's live-in roommate and best friend Sloan.
The MC's main income comes from guns, and they traffic them wherever the money is. In doing a deal with the notorious MS-13, a violent Mexican street gang, things get kind of out of hand.
There is a reasonable amount of violence, bloodshed, and some light torture if you want to categorize it, but it fits well with the story. Overall, it is all necessary and nothing is merely in the book for 'show'.
The feel of the MC, the attitudes, the mindsets of the members, and the thought processes Axton are spot-on, and add to the realistic element of the story.
The 'relationship' of the 2 main characters is a very interesting one, and again, not what you might be reading in other MC Romance books. It may help that the author rides a motorcycle, and has ridden in a MC for over a decade.
Overall, this book is a must read for the MC Erotic Romance reader who wants a great read which accurately depicts the lifestyle of an Outlaw MC.
Be prepared, however, for a wild ride.
5 HUGE stars -
4-4.5 "Progress" starsProgress.
I made it.
Mission accomplished.
so, was this whole experience for me - a huge progress! And mission accomplished.
it has a lot to do with author's writing style, once you get started it sticks with you, it just pulls you into this "other" world and you are roaming along with the characters.
Axton and Avery's story was told in dual POV.
We are introduced into the Axton's world (as a President of the Selected Sinners MC) by being taken through the deal (selling guns) between the Selected Sinners MC and a Mexican gang. Axton is a hard man that has a hateful approach towards women, he doesn't trust them at all. His interest is stirred by a young college graduate in Criminal Justice that works part time in a bar where the members of the MC gathered. He's reluctant at first BUT he still alows himself the benefit of a doubt that this girl that speaks up and talks bacl at him might be a different story. The situation evolves around the "deal" and Axton is taking a chance on Avery to help him out as a backup interpreter (as she is fluent in Spanish) in case the deal goes "wrong". She jumps at the chance to prove Axton that she's worth the risk of getting close to. The "deal" indeed goes wrong and ends up in a shoot out where Avery steps up and saves Axton's and Otis's (Axton's best friend and like second in command of the MC)lives gainig their ultimate respect and gratitude.
From there they both take a leap of faith to conquer the stigma of knowing one another, letting go and give in."Balance. You give me fucking balance."
- Axton -Axton, to me, was God. He was my beginning and my end. My saviour, my salvation, my bad-boy and my alpha male biker..."
- Avery -
This book is the first one in the Selected sinners MC series and it was faster in pace than Money shot
but each pacing was deliberately tempered with a purpose!
This I've read almost in one gulp. It was smooth, funny, it had action, romance, love...all the segments that made my attention very focused, all wrapped up in a tight world of gritty, "in you face" Scott's writing style.
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What do I think, jeesh I want to be blunt and honest with this review and not sound completely sexist as I do it. So here goes.
Avery
The author portrays her as this anorexic runway model, noting lack of boobs, boyish face and a non existent butt. Sadly this poor girl obsesses over these flaws and ridicules herself almost throughout the book while secretively being envious of her best friend Sloan who has these God gifted assets. Come on please the majority of woman and I can't speak for all, don't think that way. We're not checking each other out the way men do with roaming eyes scoping each unflattering curve or admiring breasts. The pictures I used of Avery is how I saw her. She's beautiful, yes thin and flat chested, but gorgeous! While she may have her insecurities she's a strong woman with a back bone. Lets get real, Avery has a carry and conceal license permit and a glock that's she's not afraid to use. The last thing you'd want is someone who is mentally unstable having the right to tote a loaded firearm.
(Avery & Sloan) As I glanced in the mirror at my B-cup, I silently wondered if my lack of boobs was one of the reasons I wasn’t more successful at picking up Mr. Nelson. “You ready?’ she asked. No, I need a boob job. Yeah I really want her walking the streets with a gun!
AXTON
Bad ass biker extraordinaire ahhhhh right, that's why he sets up gun deals and needs a translator. Sure that's what all big bikers do, bring in outsiders because they can't speak the language. Does anyone see a real MC doing this? And what the hell was the popping of the wrist band? That is such a nervous girl/woman reaction. I could see chewing down a toothpick to a nub, or his hand fiddling with his belt loops or maybe his fingers taping on the butt of his knife.
Last but not least I think Axton and his crew has a penis fetich. Because of one story he hears from Avery he lines up his MC, then goes to one of his brothers and forces him to whip out his tool and proceeds to measure it with a ruler. And a choad is born. So if this is something you want to read and trust me I forced myself, then have at it! -
Reread time!
I'm not sure where to begin. This really isn't your typical MC story, yet it was. There was some gritty biker business taken
care of. There was some big, bad,
rough, mean, sexy bikers. There was also
romance, but not what you would expect.
There was no insta-love, no wham-bamm, and thankfully, no club whores -
but there was the building of a relationship over time. There was...progress.
I loved just about everything with Avery and yes, Axton.
Avery was who she was, and even though she was a little insecure - she
knew what she wanted, knew how to get it - and stuck with her plan to get
there. I loved her moments of insight and internal conversations with herself, and I enjoyed her sense of humor. She was persistent, strong, and yes, even cute. Even with her chances being "slim to
none", she persevered.
The best part about Axton, was how he was with Avery. That he never expected a relationship from
her, but just took his time with her, yet never led her on.
She came from out of nowhere, and into his life, and ended up being
someone who became and integral part of world. Don't get me wrong though, he wasn't changing for her, he's not
"flowers and cards" - he's just exactly who he puts out there - he's
a biker through and through, that comes first.
He's a lot rough and doesn't put up with shit - take it or leave it, and trust me - you will take it!
This is the third Scott Hildreth book I've read, and each one
has been drastically different from the others.
And even though they are all different, the common element is that each
story has grabbed hold of me, and totally kept me wrapped up in the book, not
wanting to get up until the story is finished.
Each books characters are so complex, yet easy to know and like. You feel like you know their actual
personalities, get how they talk -as if you can hear them saying the words in
the book to you. You can really picture them, their
stance, their walk. And even more, the characters somehow give you some insight-some statement made from something happening in the story, that makes you think and consider
things differently. As with Finding
Parker and Karter, I totally loved Making the Cut and cannot wait until the
next book comes out. Give one of these
books a chance, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
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A few words to describe this book:
Unique.
Authentic.
Sweet.
Yes, that’s right. I said sweet.
Well, as sweet as a book about an alpha-male biker involved in gun-running and murder can be.
Axton, aka Slice, is President of the Selected Sinners MC. Abused as a child and hurt by women throughout his life, he’s a bit broken. His life is his MC, his “brothers”, and his bike. To him, women are a distraction, a weakness. He has no place in his life for a woman and doesn't believe they belong around his MC.
Then he walks in a bar and lays eyes on Avery.
Avery is an independent, sassy little firecracker who isn't easily intimidated by Axton and his MC. A swizzle stick of a woman, she lacks confidence in her appearance and envies her roommate Sloan’s curves. Because she thinks she lacks in sex appeal, she tries to make up for it with her quick wit and tenacious nature.
The minute she lays eyes on Axton, that's it. She determined to have him."I want on the back of that bike of yours. And although I may suck your cock or give you a little pussy, I won't do it until after that ride's over."
In an MC romance, their relationship is unique. There is no insta-love, insta-sex, cheating, or love-triangles in this book. Their relationship is a slow progression. Given Axton's mistrust of women, it takes him a while to warm up to the idea of having her in his life. For him, every minute he spends with Avery is progress."Progress is change over time; a step or steps in the right direction, one at a time, making simple improvements which one day might lead to a brighter future, a better way, or a life with less complication.
Progress. Equals. Improvement."
I was drawn to this book because it was written by a man who himself is in an MC. The end result is a more realistic and authentic depiction of 1%er culture (i.e. fundraising & contributions to local charities, hatred of pedophiles, and the freedom in the ride). I live in a community with a very active and prominent 1%er MC chapter and have always wondered what it would be like if one of them wrote an MC romance. This book is as close as I'll ever get to assuaging that curiosity.
I did have some issues with plot progression, as it takes a while before the H and h meet, and because of that the first 25% was slow going. The tempo did pick up after their meeting, but it was the gun deal that hooked me. Also, Avery seemed to lose a bit of her mojo towards the end of the book. Her character seemed to go quiet. Her subservient demeanor toward Axton didn't bother me, it was that she lost some of that wit and emotion in her thoughts and interactions with others as well.
Overall, I liked this book and am interested in seeing how certain MC plot points will carry over to the rest of the series. I'm seriously crossing my fingers that Otis gets his own book. Otis is THE MAN!
*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review* -
When college study, Avery spots the rough biker she knows one thing... she wants him. A girl that has always enjoyed the challenge might have met her match with Axton though. After the club shows up at the bar that Avery and her friend, Sloan work it, Axton feels drawn to Avery but he isn’t the kind of man to allow a woman into his life or his world.
When Axton needs Avery’s skills, she happily agrees to assisting him on his deal, after all it did earn her a ride on the back of his bike. But when shit hits the fan, Axton is surprised to find just how far Avery is willing to go. Even when his head is screaming to keep his distance, part of him can’t seem to stay away from her. A woman who is slowly learning just what a man like Axton needs, and one that is willing to do whatever it takes to stick by his side.
This was my first read from SD Hildreth and I was instantly intrigued at the idea of reading a romance novel written by a male author. I love to see the spin on things, the way a man would write a particular scene or a character. There are far too few male authors in this genre and sadly of the ones that are, can often be surrounded by far too much fabricated drama to keep my attention. So when given the chance to read this book for exchange for an honest review, I was more than willing.
I enjoyed the story overall, although I found it difficult to feel too much for Avery as she confirmed to who she thought Axton wanted so much that I was left wondering if we really got to see the real Avery at all. She was also lacking a bit of confidence when it came to her body/looks – overshadowed by her friend Sloan who had the curves she lacked. I did like to see that she shifted her views on her looks as she gained more confidence.
I’ve read quite a few biker books and no two authors will write about the clubs and the lifestyle the same way. Although the Selected Sinners carried their own storyline, the focus of this was really on Axton and Avery. Her silent fight to win him over and his battle at letting her in, even though he soon realizes that she has become part of his life. The romance for these two was slow paced. Even if he was worried about any serious ties to a woman, I expected him to have some needs along the way but even though part of me wanted his progress to move faster, I was pleased that he was stringing one along while getting some action on the side.
In the end this was enjoyed but lacked a bit of the drama and intensity that MC books often have to draw me in completely. The times where it was just Axton and Avery the idea of them in the midst of a biker world sort of slipped my mind.
I did end up picking up a few other titles from this author that I am looking forward to checking out and will most likely be continuing on with the SSMC in the next book.
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I read so many MC romance books they seem to run together and it has progressively gotten harder to find a really good read in that genre. Someone recommended this one on a biker thread and I decided to take a chance on a first time author since it was available on Kindle Unlimited. I am so glad I took that chance. This book is refreshingly unique and different from the same story lines spit out in so many of the books released today. I really liked the author’s writing style in this book and his ability to make me feel the characters. The first 10% started slow for me but all of a sudden I was really into Avery and Axton. Sure, there are some kind of coarse scenes (not related to sex) and language from some of the MC members but most of them made me laugh. It really did sound like a bunch of OTT testosterone laden, alpha guys sometimes. The author gives fair warnings in the book description about the content.
Axton is the president of the Selected Sinners MC. He hates women. He hasn’t had a girlfriend for over 10 years since his high school sweetheart cheated on him. His mother abandoned him to a life of extreme physical abuse by his father. His father’s women only reinforced Axton’s belief that women can’t be trusted. He’s made his mind up that he will never have an old lady. His MC brothers and the club will always be his family.
Avery is a snarky, smart mouth, 22 year old college senior about to graduate. She’s almost 6 foot tall and skinny as a rail. She has some really insecurities about her body but covers it with her smart mouth. She’s looking for love but wants it to be a challenge. She wants to work for it and prove that she’s worthy when she’s meets the love of her life. As the relationship between Axton and Avery develops she loses some of those insecurities and becomes more confident in who she is and how she looks. Axton thinks she’s hot from the beginning. Yes, Avery does make some personality changes during the romance development to suit Axton but Axton also makes major changes to accommodate Avery. The changes Avery makes reflect gaining maturity to me rather than changing completely to suit Axton’s expectations. This book is not full of hot sex. In fact, sex doesn’t occur until about the 80% mark but when it does, it’s hot and at time funny as hell.
I am totally surprised a male author was able to write an MC romance that I enjoyed as much as this one and I will be sure to one click book 2 in this series as soon as it is released. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a good romance. You don’t necessarily have to like MC romances to enjoy this book. -
Making the Cut (Selected Sinners MC Romance Book 1)
This is the first book I've read by Scott Hildreth and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was very surprised how detailed the book is, the location, with what's happening and what they're thinking. Even the set of rules were very detailed, especially the By Laws got me intrigued(It's a first for me reading this in an MC book)
This is definitely a romance book and I enjoyed reading it. It has a good plot but there's not much action in it but I can definitely say that the men here are B A D A S S (Axton, Toad & Otis....)😍
As for Avery, I had a hard time liking her being so worried about her looks all the time. Even Sloan seemed like an airhead to me, I can't even say she is best friend material to Avery... I also felt like Avery changed to fit into Axton's life, just to please him. Though her liking herself at the end was a nice touch.
This is not an instant "I'm in love with you" story which was strangely refreshing. Good read 👍🏻 -
No cheating, no sex outside the relationship, no love triangles, and no club whores, HEA, no cliffhanger.
Good fast read! Good story -
“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is contempt prior to investigation.” ~ Herbert Spencer
The above is one of my all time favorite quotes, and it is a belief that requires willingness, honesty and open mindedness, things I try to use in my life. Which leads me to personally always want to figure things out (shh, I am reading directions), to ask questions (yes I was the nerd who raised her hand in college lecture hall), and make sure everything fits together (reigning puzzle master supreme). I am saying all this because it will help you understand why I love to read Mr. Hildreth’s books, plain and simple he makes me think, he makes me want to get to know the characters, and he makes want to understand their journey, even and especially if I do not agree with all of their steps. Making the Cut is the latest excellent installment of a Scott Hildreth book and it is an absolute MUST READ!
The story starts with Avery, whom I LOVED. I am not sure if y’all do this but I frequently laugh out loud, throw out unwanted advice, and giggle snarky come back comments to the characters as I read. Avery got all three, which puts her at girlfriend status in my mind. I loved her, she was real, honest, and open-minded. I felt her beauty was in her strength, one of my favorite scenes involved the below picture…
In comes Axton, he is the piece of the story I needed to remember that ignorance is contempt prior to investigation. LOL- that being said I am friends with several guys who ride motorcycles, I now understand through this book that some are in an MC, (yes I now realize what a “cut” is) but I am almost certain that I have never meet an outlaw. Until Axton, I felt he was an amazing character, scary, very scary but he made the story extremely gripping because I just wanted to know him more. Mr. Hildreth’s character development has always been top notch, Making the Cut I feel is some of his best work in this department. The below quote was a favorite…
The amazing faceless character in this story I felt was the MC, I can not claim to know anymore of an MC, then what I learned while reading this book, but I can tell you with completely honesty that this book has taught me that there is an indescribable brotherhood that is among this community, which the author draws you to respect and admire. His auxiliary characters that make up the club are exceptional I feel some of the best he has every written, I hope to see them in future stories…
Avery and Axton in my opinion worked because they were both willing, honest and open minded which produced progress as the author brilliantly pointed out. There was so much more to this book that I could go into that had me; bursting out laughing, blushing, venting to the outlaws to be nice (thank goodness they can’t hear me), and quietly reflect on life. Do not take my word for it read this amazing book but FYI there might be a brain overload time out here and there while reading, there was for me anyway but that is all good, it is why I love a great Hildreth book. Excellent Job Scott, now hurry up with next book *fist bump*!!! That is it, that is all I got…. -
4.5 stars
Another awesome book from Scott Hildreth. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. -
I had to give myself a few days before I wrote this review. As usual, Scott's books always make me think! I will never ever be able to write a review to do one or any of his books justice.
I was in love with Avery in this book. She was so funny, yet so different. And Axton, well, where to even start with him! What a Hottie! I loved how he was such a neat freak(that is so me!)
The thing that made me question myself with this book is: I have always believed in Karma, and I still do but...some of the things that happened in this book and the way that Scott wrote them made me question if I would do the same thing and have little or no guilt? At one point, I don't want to give any spoilers, but, the MC has a decision to make regarding someone that has done the unthinkable to children, at the point when they are "dealing" with this person, one of the MC members quotes from the Bible, and I really felt like the way they deal with this person was justified.
I find with Scott's books, he makes you look at your own life and question your own way of thinking, your way of thinking towards others, and the way you live your own life. In this book, he makes you see a different side of what most people think an MC club is like, he makes you see that what most people think they are all like, they are NOT. I'm sure some are but I'm sure most aren't as BAD as people think they are. At least not with the MC club in this book, even though they live by their own rules, they do right by others.
I enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down once I started it, I was glad it was a HEA...that's one thing I love about Scott's books, he always tells us right from the start what to expect. But even then, each one is such a surprise, such a gift.
Merged review:
I had to give myself a few days before I wrote this review. As usual, Scott's books always make me think! I will never ever be able to write a review to do one or any of his books justice.
I was in love with Avery in this book. She was so funny, yet so different. And Axton, well, where to even start with him! What a Hottie! I loved how he was such a neat freak(that is so me!)
The thing that made me question myself with this book is: I have always believed in Karma, and I still do but...some of the things that happened in this book and the way that Scott wrote them made me question if I would do the same thing and have little or no guilt? At one point, I don't want to give any spoilers, but, the MC has a decision to make regarding someone that has done the unthinkable to children, at the point when they are "dealing" with this person, one of the MC members quotes from the Bible, and I really felt like the way they deal with this person was justified.
I find with Scott's books, he makes you look at your own life and question your own way of thinking, your way of thinking towards others, and the way you live your own life. In this book, he makes you see a different side of what most people think an MC club is like, he makes you see that what most people think they are all like, they are NOT. I'm sure some are but I'm sure most aren't as BAD as people think they are. At least not with the MC club in this book, even though they live by their own rules, they do right by others.
I enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down once I started it, I was glad it was a HEA...that's one thing I love about Scott's books, he always tells us right from the start what to expect. But even then, each one is such a surprise, such a gift. -
*** audio reread 12/2-12/3 ***
---Being picky about narrators, the male narrator was just ok for me at first. He seemed to be over doing the "badassy-ness". I did warm up to it. Narrators can make or break an audio book
~hot alpha biker - he's that bad guy you gotta love - MC President and so alpha male
~funny strong heroine
~no ow or om drama whatsoever (in fact the only other woman in the story is her best friend)
~Axton tries to keep Avery at arms length but it just doesn't work
~violence - it's a MC series
~great secondary characters - my only complaint is one of the future hero's sleeps with Avery's best friend, I had forgotten that. He had not met his future heroine at this point so it's no big deal. Also, it is not descriptive. **the best friend is a major skank though...in fact they had it set up for three guys to take her on but because of other events it does not happen
~no epilogue which normally I NEVER give 5 stars to a book without an epilogue but I don't change star ratings after the fact. I do know this couple is mentioned in future stories though (not enough) how about a novella or something Mr Hildreth! -
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
Making the Cut was and yet wasn’t like other MC reads that I’ve come across. While there was that typical MC flair to it; there was luckily, not an excess amount of unnecessary drama, womanizing, needless sex, and shenanigans that author Scott Hildreth embeds into the plot and characters.
Everything was pretty straight-forward, to the point, and was based among club morals, rules, duty, and loyalty.
I loved the repertoire between Axton and Avery as they embark on an unplanned romance and both stay true to their characters. Axton is pretty rough around the edges and doesn’t make any empty promises to Avery that he was not willing to commit to.
And Avery, I liked her spark and resiliency despite what is put against her. She was the true counterpart of this badboy bikerman and matched his grittiness and integrity quite equally.
#Great MC read!
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No cheating, no sex outside the relationship, no love triangles, and no club whores, HEA, no cliffhanger.
That pretty much sold me lol ! :D -
This is my first Scott Hildreth book and I have to say I expected something different. With all the titles of his other books and the covers I thought the book was going to have more sex in it. It wasn't until about 75-80% into the book that they finally have sex.
The book was a bit of a disappointment as I've read other posts from his other books that the books were gritty and sexy, however I didn't see too much of that. I'm still going to continue the series. It looks like the ratings go up as we get further on into the series and I've seem some funny tags to some of the books in this series so I'm excited to read the next book.
I did think it was sweet that Axton/Slice was true to Avery throughout the book. I liked that it wasn't really insta-love (though I love those books), but that he kept fighting his attraction for her and they took it slow. I like that she was a skinny minnie and thought her boy body wasn't attractive to bikers because they usually like T & As. I did like what Axton said about Avery's friend's ample bosom that when she gets older her boobs will look like balls in socks (what a visual!) and that Avery's boobs will still look the same. That was really sweet in a hot biker way!
The part of the book that I especially liked was the part of the choad. I thought that was great when Avery was recounting what Sloan had said to her about one of the prospect biker's penis. I also liked the part when some of the members of the club made that prospect show them to see if he will embarrass the rest of the MC with his choad. Too funny!
All in all the read was okay, not the best, but still it won't prevent me from continuing to read the rest of the series. -
Okay this one? It was just a 3 star read for me. It wasn't all that great. It wasn't horrible, but I was hoping for deeper. And the things that were interesting about this one didn't go deep enough, IMO. And the things that I couldn't picture these "seasoned" hardcore men being concerned with, they clearly made big productions about.
I did like the main characters though. I felt they had good chemistry. Just the story surrounding them is what fell flat for me. Things that were left unturned or on the surface disappointed me. Then things that were trival at best were given ALOT of air time. I could have done without this.
Lot of angles where this one could have gone to make it a great read, but sadly it just stayed on the surface of having potential, but it not being truly realized *shrugs*
Still have tons of books by this author I want to read though. But I do not see myself continuing with this series.
So I wouldn't recommend this read with enthusiasm. It could go either way for you. Just don't expect to be blown away with this one. -
I swear, Hildreth could write a cookbook like no other cookbook ever. He might be able to turn the phone book into something functional yet interesting and even a little inspirational. Hildreth has written some MC characters in the past and they were deep and book worthy. It would be totally easy to give them a book. But, Hildreth doesn't do easy.
I love MC books. Love. Them. I have read enough to predict the MC alpha possessive formula and all that jazz. I'm also, quite proudly, fairly well versed in fictional MC rules and politics. I should have known Hildreth would break all that and ruin me for any future MC formula fiction.
Slice will only trust a woman if she's not a woman. Avery will only get into a guy if he's a hot alpha. Avery gets into Slice, but he takes more convincing. The end was a bit rushed, but I enjoyed the ride. -
I just listened to this series on audible (free through KU)
I enjoyed this one, but it was a little slow on the romance for me. I thought Avery would drive me batty, but she came around. Axton also drove me a bit batty, but he also came around. I felt there was emotional growth in both the hero and heroine, which appealed to me. Also I want to note that this couple remained my favorite throughout the series. Avery ended up being a favorite character in the series.
There is quite a bit of violence for those who would find this a surprise in an MC book.
Overall though, this was a different type of MC book than any I have read and I liked it! -
Awe
This was way different than any story I have ever read. Axton and Averys story touched my heart.
The world the author created was so detailed you felt as if you were watching all the characters in this story. Amazing. -
5 stars !!
I loveeeeeddd it ! It was soo good !! Aston and Avery were a perfect match. review to come but damn I loved it ! -
DNF at 51%
Welp, turns out, this book just wasn't for me. I found the heroine too abrasive and almost too desperate. She's also more aggressive than I care to read about as well.
The bikers are a bit rougher than I read about as well.
This just didn't work for me but does for others. I am halfway through and don't have much interest in finding out how this ends. 51% and I don't feel a connection between the H and h beyond lust and low key desperation on the part of the h.
I hope other's enjoy it but I just felt blah reading it. -
How to start........this is the first book in a new series by Scott Hildreth. Since I have loved everything I've read from him, and I do really like the MC genre, I was excited to read this book. And it did not disappoint! I guess the best statement I can use to summarize how I feel is that even though this story does not have a cliffhanger and there is an HEA, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! I really want to know who the next story is about......
This story is about Axton and Avery. Axton is the President of the Selected Sinners MC. Basically he is an entity unto himself and needs no one except his MC brothers. He certainly has no plans for a relationship with a female. In fact, he has major trust issues where the female race is concerned. Enter Avery, the best heroine I have read about in a long time. She is strong, smart and competitive. And she has her sites set on Axton from the time she sets eyes on him. Of course he realizes she is special from the get go also. How they form a relationship is what keeps you glued to the book. But the book is not just all about them. The reader is also introduced to the Selected Sinners MC and club business. We get enough of three or four other guys from the club, that we can't wait for more. Thanks Scott, for a great first installment of this brand new series.......I can't wait for more. -
This was a fun read. It’s about a motorcycle club. But a badass MC. Not like the normal MC books I’ve read before. These guys kill people, break the law, have old ladies, and are basically bad ass mother fuckers.
And naturally there’s the girl that breaks down the president; enter Avery. She was a cute little thing. She knew she was pretty and always went after what she wanted after growing up in a strict home.
Axton (don’t know if this is the correct spelling, listened to this on audio) is the president of the Sinner MC. A dude you don’t want to fuck with. He kicks ass and takes name and doesn’t take shit from no one. He’s got his no woman except for pussy rule and then he meets Avery and the rest is history.
The only complaint I have is that Avery, in the beginning, was constantly putting herself down. Like she knew she was pretty. But she was always comparing herself to Sloane. Always wanting Sloane’s ass and boobs. It’s really all she thought about until Axton finally took notice of her.
Can’t we just have a book where the girl is 100% confident in herself? Anywho, good book. 😁 -
So I am seriously becoming a SD Hildreth Junkie! I had a feeling that I was going to like this book because I love MC erotic romance. However, in this case I frickin loved this book. I love the female. I related to her so well, I would be such a better friend to her than Sloan. As for Axton...he was everything you want in a biker. Rough around the edges, smart, alpha....yep every biker girls dream. I liked how taking on woman in his life wasn't something he was really open to in the beginning but how he came to realize that having her in his life made him a better man and president. It was an amazing read. I don't want to continue going on about it because it is something you should experience for yourself. So be brave...buy the damn book, you won't be sorry. Hell it may just be the best $3.99 you've spent on yourself in awhile.
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Making the Cut by Scott Hildreth
This is the first book I've read by this author and I am really enjoying this series.
The writing is fantastic, easy to read story flows smoothly I hardly put the book down. I will continue reading the Sinners MC Series. On to Book Two - Taking The Heat.
