“There’s only a few things I’ve ever given shit about. Everything else…is seasonal, as Ma would say.” He pressed his mouth to my temple, whispering, “Then there’s you.”

Hi. If you aren’t reading Mariana Zapata’s books what are you doing with your life? This is the third book I’ve read by her and I’m beyond impressed. I’ve never felt more connected to what I’m reading, I’ve never been so emotionally invested. She knows exactly how to pull you in and lock you down. 

So here we are. In the beautiful world of MC romance. The first two books I read by her were sports romance, so this was a completely new experience for me. BOY, DID I LOVE THE HELL OUT OF IT. First off, I just have to say that Mariana writes best broody, grumpy men. There’s nothing better than breaking through that outer shell and meeting the loving man underneath. That’s exactly what happens with Dex in this story. The book is entirely from Iris’ POV, so we never get a chance to see what Dex is thinking, but that makes it all the more intriguing. From the moment Dex meets Iris, he is annoyed by her. Her looks, her voice, everything. And he is straight up rude to her. He calls her names and makes her feel inferior. It isn’t until she starts fighting back, in her own way, that he comes around. That’s what makes Iris such an incredible heroine. She starts out meek and afraid. She has long internal monologues about the things she wishes she could say to Dex. Eventually, with his help, she starts to find her voice. She gets comfortable in her own skin. She realizes that she is worth it. She is enough.

A huge theme in this novel is abandonment. Iris feels abandoned by everyone she’s ever cared about and it keeps her from admitting her true feelings about Dex for quite a while. Throughout the novel, their relationship builds until it hits a breaking point and OH MY GOD is it sweltering. Some of the sexiest scenes I’ve ever read have come out of this book. Zapata does slow burn like nobodies business. She’s the best I’ve ever read when it comes to building that burn. Guys. Please read this book. It’s sexy and emotional and worth every second of your time. I AM OBSESSED. Mariana Zapata has found herself a new loyal and very devout follower. 5 stars!!

“You’ve gotta be the best thing I never knew I wanted.”