Grayson is the latest installment in the Jokers MC series by Jessie Cooke. While this book is a standalone, I recommend reading at least Chance's book to truly understand and appreciate the intersection of these characters.
Often neglected as a child, Grayson revered the one man who truly paid attention to him. Tucker taught him most of what he knows today about motorcycles, life and loyalty. When Gray's uncle is sent to prison for a crime he believes Tucker committed, it tests that loyalty but ultimately he keeps his suspicions to himself. Years have passed now with those secrets eating away at Gray's soul and the time of reckoning is upon him. While Gray struggles with guilt and loyalty, he spends time convincing the love of his life, Poppy, that they're worth the work.
We met Poppy in Chance's book and learned about her dysfunctional relationship with the men in her life, especially Grayson. Learning her backstory will break your heart but give you context on how much she's fighting her attraction to this incredible man. She's been running for so long, she doesn't know how to stop but Gray wants to help her, and this time it might be worth it.
I love Jessie Cooke's writing style, her character development, the complexity in her stories, etc. The men of the Jokers are richly layered and compelling. I struggled hard with this secret that Grayson carried around but Cooke brought it around beautifully. Gray is such a good man, a boy who grew up too early with a lot on his shoulders. While his role models weren't exactly law abiding men, somehow Gray turned out a good man with a rebel side. We know the hellish nightmare of Poppy's childhood from Chance's book and she still struggles with her past. All along, Gray has been the constant in her life. When she's real and open, they are so perfect for each other. I really enjoyed the growth in them individually and as partners. This book was sexy and swoony and provided a ton of revelations about life, love and loyalty.