A single father struggles to change for his daughters and the woman he loves in this second book in the Cursed Ravens Motorcycle Club series from New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando. As a single father of two girls and the sergeant at arms for the Cursed Ravens Motorcycle Club, Jack “Knuckles” Chester doesn’t have much free time. And having earned his road name from his reputation … name from his reputation as a fighter, Knuckles isn’t one to back away from a challenge.
But what he’ll never admit out loud is that his two daughters have changed him irrevocably, softened him even. And these two girls are the only women who will ever hold his heart forever. That is, until he meets Celina.
Celina is nothing like the women Knuckles used to date. She’s a journalist for the local newspaper, and basically just has her life together. And the last thing she wants is to be involved with a Cursed Raven. But when the ripped, badass biker worms his way into her heart, she has trouble remembering all the reasons they would never work.
But when a shocking story is published her newspaper, it breaks the thin trust she has with Knuckles. Will she lose him forever? Or will Knuckles fight to keep Celina in his life?
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary –
Jack “Knuckles” Chester is the sergeant at arms for the Cursed Ravens Motorcycle Club and he earned his road name for fighting. But with two daughters, he doesn’t have a lot of time for them. He wants to change that, and he wants to find a woman of his own, but he doesn’t trust easily because the last one cheated on him.
Celina is the cousin of Erin, Knuckles’ bestie and old lady of Ace, Knuckles’ brother, and daughter of Gage, the MC’s president. When Celina shows up for Erin’s birthday party, Knuckles already knows who she is and wants to get to know her better. He doesn’t think that her being a journalist for the local newspaper is a problem for the club. Celina also has trust issues because of a cheating ex-boyfriend. She doesn’t see a relationship with Knuckles going anywhere. Although she is attracted to him, she keeps pushing him away.
While Knuckles keeps pushing his way back into Celina’s life, she is dropping her walls and things are moving along good. That is, until her boss and ex-boyfriend run a story and put her name on it, and the thin layer of trust between Knuckles and Celina is ripped in two.
Can they get the trust back and repair their relationship? Will Knuckles stop long enough to listen to her side of the story? Can Celina tell him the secret she just learned without him leaving for good? Oh, and you will not believe the zinger at the end, OMG!
I am loving this series and can’t wait for more. It seems to get better with each book. I loved the first one and I think this one was better, but I can’t wait to see who the next one will be about, maybe Rogue? Anyway, if you are looking for a great MC story, grab this one and enjoy!
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Knuckle Down (The Cursed Ravens MC #2) by Chantal Fernando to read and review.
Sergeant at Arms. Father. Brother. Lover. Knuckles’ role in the Cursed Ravens MC is more than just muscle and intimidation. He’s there to protect his extended family, in any way. After a crazy few weeks with his President’s newly discovered daughter who becomes his best friend, he comes face to face with her cousin. Classy, sultry, and all around sassy; Celina isn’t Knuckles’ type but he can’t deny the immediate lust he feels seeing her. But what will it take to make this beauty see he’s more than just the cut on his shoulders?
Celina knows men, and people really. As a reporter she has to keep a sharp eye for detail. A glimpse into her cousins new motorcycle club family could be the break she’s been waiting for. But this wicked MC is more than what them seem. Their number one focus is family, a foreign concept to Celina (apart from her love for her cousin). And their supposed protector, Knuckles, is like a teddy compared to the grizzly expectation she had. He’s caring, sweet, and a father to two beautiful girls. And now he’s set his focus on Celina and the future he sees them having
I feel like there was a flipped script in this Ravens story. Celina is our standoffish heroine whereas Knuckles, the supposed bad boy, is the calm and collected hero. He’s got to peel back the complicated layers of Celina and her trust issues before he can get to heart of her. There’s an easy flow to Knuckles’ attempts though; he’s not pushy or controlling. He sees things as they are and adjusts accordingly. Who knew such a. Badass could be the funniest and sweetest hero of the bunch. With fun at every turn and drama just around the corner, the climax was SO unexpected and I LOVED it. Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Cursed Ravens.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I was so excited to read this one and I was not disappointed. Knuckle and Celina were so amazing from the very beginning! This may be my new favorite of Chantal’s books (yes, I know I say that every time)! As always a well written story with characters I can’t help but fall in love with!
With a nickname like “Knuckles” one would automatically assume Jack Chester is a bad boy, which he is, but underneath that rough exterior is a guy with a big heart. A heart that currently belongs to his daughters, they are his number one priority, and he’d do anything for them, but somewhere along the line he needs to make a little time for himself too… maybe work on finding someone to share his nights with. Living in the clubhouse means there are always various women hanging around to occupy his time, but that’s not really the kind of woman you can make a life with, he wants someone who understands the life he leads, and is willing to share it with him.
When the clubhouse hosts a birthday party for one of their own, they open the house up to guests of her choosing, and she invites her best friend Celina. The moment she walks into the clubhouse she manages to catch the eye of every single MC member in attendance, but it’s Knuckles who plans on spending the evening occupying all of her time. He likes what he sees, and from what his friend has told him about her he thinks they would make a pretty good pair, but first he has to convince Celina to give him a chance. She is a no fuss kind of girl, and she isn’t really in the market for a man, which means Knuckles has got his work cut out for him…
Knuckle Down is a enthralling little page turner that is sure to pull you in from the very first sentence, and keep you completely captivated until the last… the moment my eyes found the words, I couldn’t pry them away!! This is my second visit to the series and I have to say that I loved this visit just as much as the first, Knuckles caught my attention in the first installment, and I couldn’t wait to meet the man under that rough and tough exterior… and my oh my did I love what I found!! He managed to give Ace some serious competition as my favorite Cursed Raven, he had moments that made me smile, moments that made me blush, and moments that made me swoon… simply said he was a all around good dude!! I got a kick out of his feisty counterpart, she had no trouble keeping him on his toes, and wrapped around her little finger, they were so much fun to watch tangle! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it’s sure to leave you satisfied!
I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
The Cursed Ravens are back! This is Knuckles’ book, who we met in book 1. It can be read as a stand alone, but there are characters, and events, from the previous book that might not be understood if book 1 hasn’t already been read.
Knuckles is a single father, and the Sergeant at Arms of the MC. He is an amazing dad, and a dependable brother. However, his previous relationship has left him with little trust, and no tolerance for deception, especially from women. Celina is Erin’s (from book 1) cousin. They are best friends, having grown up more like sisters than cousins. She is also a journalist at the local news paper. She, too, has a bad relationship in her past that has left her distrustful, jaded, and closed off from relationships. However, there is an instant attraction between Knuckles and Celina, that neither one can deny is there. While Knuckles embraces the attraction, Celina tries her best to keep her distance.
This book was everything I want in an MC romance. Hot men, strong women, crazy drama, and surprises around every corner. And that ending! I never even saw it coming! The chemistry between these two was off he charts smoking hot. The interactions between Knuckles and Celina were at times sweet, at other times they were hilarious. This book was well written, engaging, and pulled me in from the beginning. There were also just enough hints of what is to come, that I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series!
I was blown away by the first book in this series so I’ve been eagerly awaiting Knuckle Down since the moment I finished the last book. Who knew you could top perfection? I guess Chantal Fernando did, because even after setting the bar so high she sailed right over it with this book. Knuckle Down had me hooked right at the start and gripped me until the end. I was entirely wrapped up in the intense chemistry with these two polar opposites and my new favorite MC family!
Knuckles was someone I was drawn to immediately when I first met him in the previous book. His charming and warm personality shined through even then. A tough as nails biker who is also secretly a big sweet heart and happens to be an incredible single dad to two amazing daughters. Yeah, I wanted his story the second I met him and I was so not disappointed with it. Getting to see even more of just how wonderful he is and adding in this man is insanely hot. *happy sigh* Knuckles is everything!
Celina, Erin’s cousin, is the complete opposite of Knuckles. A straight laced, fiercely independent journalist with walls around her heart that are near impossible to get through. She didn’t cave easily to the undeniable pull between her and Knuckles. Normally, that would be something that bugs me but Celina is such a truly good person, and let’s be honest, Knuckles is quite the bulldozer I found myself even more pulled into their story by seeing him knock down wall after wall in the sweetest (and hottest) ways possible.
I don’t know how Chantal is going to top this book, but I can’t wait to find out what she wows me with next!
4.5 stars
I love this series, that being said I liked Ace’s story much better. I just feel like Knuckles’ story was missing something but overall it is a fantastic read. What more can you ask for than a single father putting his two daughters first especially in the MC world. And then throw Celina’s sassiness and commitment issues into the mix and you have a good book. Bikers usually don’t mix well with journalists, but that doesn’t stop Knuckles from pursuing Celina, from the first meeting he was a goner for her. She took her time warming up to him due to her past. Great continuation of the series. I can’t wait for Rogue’s story!!
Digging deeper than the first book, Knuckle Down is the second book of The Cursed Ravens MC. It can be read as a standalone, but the first book gives the reader a bit more going in, understanding Knuckles.
Celina and Knuckles meet at Celina’s cousin’s- also Knuckles new “bestie”- birthday party. The two have an instant spark, but they have both loved and been burned. Knuckles has children, and they come first for him. Celina is a journalist, He’s with an MC, their story shouldn’t make sense, but it does. Their story is about learning to trust again, and opening up after being hurt. The characters are damaged, but not broken, and are learning that from each other.
Their story has some more drama than the first book, and it’s just as exciting. It’s quickly paced and easy to get lost in.
What a book/series!!! The author has done an outstanding job of writing a storyline that is hot, sexy, romantic and packed full of strong willed characters. Especially the women who rock these bikers world.
Knuckles is a conundrum. He definitely an alpha male with a take no crap attitude but he’s also a teddy bear of a dad to two young girls, an amazing cook in the kitchen, a very caring compassionate man who gives 100% to those he cares about. Plus, he Always shoots straight from the hip and goes after what he wants; and he wants Celina.
Celina is a very independent woman who can totally hold her own in almost any situation. She is a local journalist who also happens to be Erin’s cousin (Erin is the prez’s daughter and soon to be Ace’s ole lady). When Celina is invited to Erin’s birthday party at the Cursed Ravens Clubhouse, she is shocked by what she finds. These men are nothing like the stereotype she’s pictured, especially Knuckles with his charm and good looks. But Celina’s been hurt in the past by men and their cheating ways and therefore does her best to steer clear of him. But Knuckles just might have other ideas for her.
This story is full of humor, romance, suspense and aghast. Throw in three dogs, two sneaky young girls, two conniving ex’s and a few misunderstandings and you have the makings of one amazing storyline. 2 Thumbs Up for a great addition to the series. I highly recommend reading Knuckle Down and the Cursed Ravens MC series, you won’t be sorry you did.
ARC received for an honest review
Oh. My. Knuckles!
I adored you as Erin’s “best friend” in Ace of Hearts, but now I have a full blown crush on you!
And if you have read the first book, you will remember Celina, Erin’s cousin? She’s older than Erin, but in some ways she feels younger.
And when the biker and the journo meet – well, things don’t go the way either of them expect, but boy is is better than anything either wanted.
A journalist and a biker together -yeah, you can see the conflict between them coming a mile away, however it was not what I expected it was going to be.
A single dad, Knuckles really is all kinds of swoonworthy when he is with his girls. I mean… le sigh. You need to look past the kutte and the rumours about bikers to get to the real man.
I love the push/pull between Celina and Knuckles- well, him pushing for more, and Celina pulling away lol. There is such a spark between them that you can’t help but want them to get more.
Was great to get more of the Cursed Ravens MC, loved seeing where Erin and Ace were at in their relationship, and I neeeeeed to know more about Rogue/
ASAP.
Can’t wait for Going Rogue – even though it is only a few weeks away, it is too far away!
Gimme gimme gimme!
Would any biker ever bring a journalist into their MC clubhouse knowing what trouble that could possible mean for their club? The Cursed Ravens MC are not choir boys, they live a criminals life and have the law just waiting to bring them down. So what was Knuckles thinking bringing Celina into their inner sanctum? Celina first stepped foot into the clubhouse because her closet friend and cousin Erin, was the guest of honor for a party being thrown for her. Erin’s father was the club’s Prez and she is now engaged to Ace who happens to be a Cursed Raven as well.
Celina is a person of ethics and one h*ll of a journalist and she has no intention of doing a trash story on the club members. Sure her journalist self can’t help being curious especially since no one gets to enter their clubhouse unless otherwise invited.
Knuckles is the sergeant of arms for the club and totally looks the part. He is a man of many surprises with each one wishing you were the one at the receiving end of the things that this man can offer.
Be ready for surprises and what a biker is willing to do to win over a very self-confident, self-made woman. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the ever expanding Cursed Ravens.
I didn’t love Celina and Knuckles as much as Erin and Ace, but the story was still good. Its major plot climax is obvious, but Fernando still threw a few major twists in at the end that I didn’t expect!
**I received a copy of Knuckle Down from Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
Knuckle Down is the second book in Ms. Fernando’s Cursed Ravens MC series. If I were to compare Wind Dragon’s vs.Cursed Ravens MC it would be a toss up because they are both equally good. This is Knuckle and Celina’s story and I give it a high 4.8 stars.
Celina who happens to be Erin’s cousin from the first book is a gifted journalists looking for a story within the Ravens clubhouse. When she meets Knuckles a single dad of two girls the attraction between the two is a bit frosty but he knows that he can win her heart. There will be misunderstanding that will bring them back together once again. As well as a young girl who the Raven’s take in while their brother is in jail who’ll try to take someone precious from Knuckle and Celina.
Jack “Knuckle” Chester is the Sergeant at Arms for the Cursed Ravens but when he meets Celina at her cousin’s party he just knows that she is the one for him. First she has to pass his daughter’s test of meeting her before he goes any farther and of course Celina’s three dogs need to meet everyone also. When an article is published without her knowledge they will step away until she finds out that her boss is now being sued for publishing it. But all in all Knuckle and Celina will follow their hearts and become the family that both of them want so much.
A guy, two girls and loads of charm. How can we resist a man who loves and dotes on his children? We can’t and neither could Celina. Another fantastic story from Ms. Fernando. The dynamics of the MC and of Knuckles and Celina’s relationship are wonderfully portrayed in this story. I kept thinking “this is so sweet” and it truly is sweet and charming. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.