This couple does have a somewhat slow buildup. They don't get intimate until the last half of the book. I didn't really mind that because the author didn't bore with unnecessary details. For an MC book, this book doesn't have much angst, and again I'm totally ok with that. Diverse representation: Most of her books represents diverse characters, including people of color and LGBTQ+ characters, which diversity and appeals to a wide range of readers. When Slim suggested Iris getting a piercing and all that ensued … well this book is definitely dirtier than any MZ I’ve read before. Why the hell am I blushing?!

His tongue traced the oval shape of my chin. "But I'm not a good man, and I'm gonna take everythin' you want to give me and everythin' you don't." MZ’s men always appear to hate when people are mad at them. I can totally relate. I rarely hold grudges and apologize even if it’s not necessary because I’d prefer to keep the peace.

Under Locke by Mariana Zapata Summary

I held my hands out for him to see how badly they were shaking. “I’m thinking that I love you so much it scares me. See?” One thing that the two of them have in common is deadbeat fathers. When Ritz's sperm donor messes with some dangerous people, Sonny and her are placed in danger. This led to some interesting situations and a mild sense of suspense. However, I can't say that I ever had that "on the edge of my seat" anxious feeling.

You Sonny's girl?" the deep baritone voice asked from down the hall, in time with the low squeaking thud of boots on tile. On the other hand, I didn’t like Zac all too much. He didn’t feel real. One of my favourite things about romances is how real the characters can sometimes feel, and I didn’t get that here. I kept on waiting for more from him and I didn’t get it. There were times where I was thinking I was going to start liking him and then he did something stupid. Dex and Iris make a guest appearance in Kulti which made me select this as my next read as I really wanted to know more about them. By this time I was missing Aiden and Van and Kulti and Sal were still on my mind but I needed to move on....

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

HOLY HELL. I loved this book more than I can say, I was up wayy too late finishing this and I could not put it down. Dex was the ultimate male—protective, tattooed, accomplished and so, so attractive. Sonny grabbed the top of my head and shook it. “Don’t worry about it, kid. I’m sure I’ll introduce you sooner or later.” Dex is great. It took me a long time to get to like him as a character. However as the novel went on and Iris got to know him better, I enjoyed him more. Dex is stubborn and impatient and at times that made me really dislike him. But like Iris, he grew throughout the novel and let go of his demons. The relationship with Sonny is super sweet. I love how they weren’t raised together but still held onto a deep connection. lives for altruistic punishment of international crimes. 6. Separation of Powers and the Dissolution of Government