A review by perusing_pages
Under Locke by Mariana Zapata

funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Reread number... I've lost count. Mariana Zapatas books are comfort reads/listens for me. 

Iris has recently moved in with her half brother Sonny, Sonny happens to be part of the Widows MC and through his connections gets Iris a job as a receptionist at Dex's tattoo shop, Dex has an attitude problem that Iris gets first hand experience of straight out of the gate so it takes a while for them to warm up to each other and the story goes from there.

The slow burn tension & buildup is quintessential Mariana Zapata and I adore it. There is just something in the way she writes her characters and their development/stories/relationships that is like catnip to me. I enjoyed every second of listening to Callie Dalton perform this, I know this book has recently re-released on audio with new narrators & in Duet style but I honestly don't think I could listen to anyone other than Callie narrate these books as there is just something about her performance that encapsulates the overall vibe/feel I want from Zapatas books. Thoroughly enjoyed my reread of this and it gave me exactly what I needed. 🌶.5

"Babe, I've handpicked everythin' and everyone in here. I know what I want and I get what I want," he breathed. "And I keep what's mine."

"Baby, there’s nothing wrong with my judgment. I know exactly what I’m doin’, and I know damn well that if I ever see you smile at somebody like you did at Trey today, I’ll kill the poor bastard."