Title: Unbeautifully
Author: Madeline Sheehan
First published May 12, 2013
374 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781301345670
Rating: 4.35
Overview
Warning: Brace yourself, this isn’t your typical love story. It’s messy, steamy, and chaotic.
Cole: I can’t resist her. She’s the light to my dark, the yin to my yang.
I want to be with her in every way possible, but we both know it’s not that simple. So, I push her away, making her hate me.
If I had three wishes, I’d wish for her to forget the pain I’ve caused her, for her to forgive me, and for her to let me love her the way she deserves. But life isn’t always fair, and sometimes, love can be messy.
Editoral Review
Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan is a gripping novel that has been both praised and criticized for its unflinching look at the brutal world of outlaw motorcycle clubs. Sheehan is a contemporary American writer who has made a name for herself in the romantic suspense genre with her gritty, raw, and violent tales of love and loyalty in these tight-knit communities.
The story is set in the fictional town of Stockton, California, and follows the lives of two key players in the local Hell’s Horsemen MC, an all-male gang known for their criminal activities and outlaw lifestyle. Danny ‘Mad Dog’ Malloy, the club’s sergeant-at-arms, is a hardened ex-convict who has spent most of his life behind bars.
He is a merciless killer, deeply scarred by his past, and fiercely loyal to his brothers in the club. Meanwhile, his close friend and occasional lover, Ripper, is a complex woman who struggles to reconcile her own violent tendencies with her love for Danny and her desire for a better life.
The novel centers on the turbulent relationship between Danny and Ripper and their attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of the biker lifestyle. Along the way, they confront a series of challenges, including rival gang wars, drug addiction, family conflict, and political corruption.
The novel’s themes are dark and brooding, exploring the nature of power, violence, and love in a world where the rules are different. Sheehan’s writing style is visceral and intense, drawing the reader into the gritty underbelly of the MC world.
The pacing is fast and furious, with short, sharp chapters that keep the tension high. The characters are well-drawn and complex, with a vivid and distinct voice that brings them to life on the page.
The dialogue is authentic and raw, capturing the slang and jargon of the biker subculture. However, some readers have criticized the novel for its graphic depictions of sex, violence, and abuse, which can be difficult to read at times.
The novel also contains some problematic representations of women, who are often portrayed as helpless victims or sexual objects. Furthermore, the book’s emphasis on the violent world of outlaw motorcycle clubs may not appeal to all readers, especially those who are sensitive to such subject matter.
Despite these criticisms, Unbeautifully remains a powerful and compelling read, offering a rare and unflinching glimpse into a world that is often hidden from view. The novel’s honest portrayal of the MC lifestyle sheds light on some of the issues facing these communities, including poverty, addiction, and violence.
The book’s themes are also relevant to broader social issues, such as toxic masculinity and the nature of power in society. In conclusion, Unbeautifully is a well-crafted and deeply affecting novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is an important and timely work of fiction that deserves to be read and discussed. For fans of Madeline Sheehan’s previous work, or anyone interested in exploring the seedy underbelly of outlaw motorcycle clubs, this book is a must-read.
