This one wasn't quite as good for me as the other books I've read by this author. I didn't love either Dex or Iris. But once they realized they loved each other, they were really sweet together. I just don't like bikers all that much and Dex wasn't really my cup of tea. Iris seemed a lot younger than she was, especially considering the kind of life she lived that forced her to grow up so quickly. She actually needed a man like Dex to take care of her, so in that respect, they made a good couple. ( )

The only thing wrong with the novel is that it was too long - a 16 hour listen!

The novel is a first-person narration by Iris Taylor, a young woman who has overcome many hurdles in life.

Normally this isn't my favourite point of view. But Maiana Zapata does the most amazing job and Iris is a great character. She goes to work for Dex Locke, the owner of a tattoo parlour and much of the novel takes part inside the parlour.

Why this was of any interest to me I don't know! but it was - it was all entertaining - except for the storyline around Iris's father went on way to long.

Same with the motorcycle club. Dex is a member of the Widows and we meet many characters in the club - in fact, maybe all the characters in the novel except Iris are part of the club.

After awhile I got used to Iris's voice as narrated by Callie Dalton. I didn't like it at first but it did suit the character. She did a great job of portraying Dex, both in tone and his amazingly minimal way of speaking.

The audiobook was released in 2014. ( )

( )

Enjoyed this read. There was one element that was uncomfortably similar to a happening in a Kristen Ashley book. The heroine overhears the hero talking bad about her. He is the owner of the place she has just got a job and she gets her nose all bent out of shape and he tells her to get over it. Very similar but then you really can't copyright happenings exactly. It just felt awkwardly similar. Still other than that I really enjoyed the book. Unlike KA the characters did not all speak in awkward half sentences. I thought the heroine hid her arm for too long but that's a minor quibble. I did like the slow build up of their relationship. I really appreciate authors who take their time and don't have the H/h in the sack and in lurvve instantly.

Definitely a fun new author for me. ( )

Mariana Zapata is by far my favorite author when it comes to a slow burn romance. I enjoy how there is always a complete story as well as fully fleshed out characters. In general I prefer her books that deal with athletes but this book holds a special place in my heart because it was the first book I read by her. ( )