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Sex & Mayhem #10
Outlaw Girls
--- When a match meets gasoline. ---
Mona. Mafia princess. Rebellious Italian beauty. Runaway bride.
Rain. Motorcycle club president’s daughter. Androgynous biker goddess.
After her sister was forced into an arranged marriage, Mona vowed she would never suffer the same fate. She would do whatever she had to, even set the church on fire, catch the first bus to nowhere without a dollar in her pocket while still wearing her wedding dress.
Away from her controlling family, Mona intends to fight for her financial independence on the stripping pole at the Smoke Valley Motorcycle Club. Her plan is to earn enough cash for further travels, but once she gets closer to Rain, and becomes more comfortable on the back of her bike than she ever was in the world of privilege, staying in the middle of Nowhere, Nevada no longer sounds so bad.
Rain doesn’t do girlfriends. Her biker lifestyle means secrecy and unsavory deeds no girl she’s met would roll with. Her only goal is to smash the glass ceiling of her family-run biker gang and become the first female member. She does do flings though, and the Italian beauty who crashes her birthday party is perfect for one of those.
But Mona sticks around. Rain can’t stay away, and all rules go out the window when Rain finds out Mona is the runaway daughter of a mafioso. Maybe she could just be the kind of woman who understands living outside the law
When the mafia comes after Mona, Rain has to choose between loyalty to the club and the woman of her dreams. One thing is certain - there will be no escape without mayhem.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: mafia, organized crime, marriage, forbidden love, danger, motorcycle club, biker chick, family, rebellion, independence, first relationship, self-discovery
Genre: F/F romance, suspense
Erotic content: Explicit scenes
Length: ~60,000 words (STANDALONE novel)
WARNING: Adult content. Contains violence, distressing scenes, offensive language, and morally ambiguous protagonists.
Mona. Mafia princess. Rebellious Italian beauty. Runaway bride.
Rain. Motorcycle club president’s daughter. Androgynous biker goddess.
After her sister was forced into an arranged marriage, Mona vowed she would never suffer the same fate. She would do whatever she had to, even set the church on fire, catch the first bus to nowhere without a dollar in her pocket while still wearing her wedding dress.
Away from her controlling family, Mona intends to fight for her financial independence on the stripping pole at the Smoke Valley Motorcycle Club. Her plan is to earn enough cash for further travels, but once she gets closer to Rain, and becomes more comfortable on the back of her bike than she ever was in the world of privilege, staying in the middle of Nowhere, Nevada no longer sounds so bad.
Rain doesn’t do girlfriends. Her biker lifestyle means secrecy and unsavory deeds no girl she’s met would roll with. Her only goal is to smash the glass ceiling of her family-run biker gang and become the first female member. She does do flings though, and the Italian beauty who crashes her birthday party is perfect for one of those.
But Mona sticks around. Rain can’t stay away, and all rules go out the window when Rain finds out Mona is the runaway daughter of a mafioso. Maybe she could just be the kind of woman who understands living outside the law
When the mafia comes after Mona, Rain has to choose between loyalty to the club and the woman of her dreams. One thing is certain - there will be no escape without mayhem.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: mafia, organized crime, marriage, forbidden love, danger, motorcycle club, biker chick, family, rebellion, independence, first relationship, self-discovery
Genre: F/F romance, suspense
Erotic content: Explicit scenes
Length: ~60,000 words (STANDALONE novel)
WARNING: Adult content. Contains violence, distressing scenes, offensive language, and morally ambiguous protagonists.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2019
About the author
Miss Merikan
9 books114 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
Miss Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are mistaken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat’s the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitating to kick Agnes’s ass when she’s slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalogue, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing thirty, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.
They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there’s one thing you can be sure of - it will be full of surprises.
e-mail: missmerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
Miss Merikan’s author page: http://MissMerikan.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissMerikan
Agnes Merikan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgnesMerikan
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/
Trivia:
- We are Polish,
- We're neither sisters nor a couple,
- Kat's an artist, and Agnes is a psychologist but neither works in her field,
- Kat's fingers are two times longer than Agnes's.
Miss Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are mistaken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat’s the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitating to kick Agnes’s ass when she’s slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalogue, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing thirty, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.
They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there’s one thing you can be sure of - it will be full of surprises.
e-mail: missmerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
Miss Merikan’s author page: http://MissMerikan.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissMerikan
Agnes Merikan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgnesMerikan
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/
Trivia:
- We are Polish,
- We're neither sisters nor a couple,
- Kat's an artist, and Agnes is a psychologist but neither works in her field,
- Kat's fingers are two times longer than Agnes's.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 16, 2023
|| 4.0 stars ||
This book literally had me pull my hair out in frustration, but damn if I wasn't incredibly invested in this story.
The whole thing is pretty angsty, and a lot of stuff happened that genuinely made me angry, yet there was also a genuine connection between Rain and Mona, and I found myself getting sucked into this book, somehow still able to enjoy the flawed and wobbly ride.
The writing was also super pleasant, and I can't say I was ever bored while reading this. The plot isn't anything to write home about, but it was pretty decent, and definitely complemented the romance well.
Rain and Mona were quite a whirlwind together. Rain was a butch, rough and androgynous biker, while Mona was the beautiful, sweet, edgy and adventurous daughter of a mafia boss. They had plenty of chemistry, and I loved their dynamic; I'm honestly a complete sucker when it comes to the butch/femme dynamic (especially if they actually work well together despite their differences), and this had that in spades!
The thing that bothered me, though, and made me fall into a fit of rage more than once, was how much of a bitch Rain could be. I'm not going to go into the specifics, but trust me when I say she definitely did not deserve Mona, and that did bother me a lot.
I got so frustrated with Rain's actions, and I wanted to yell at Mona to find someone better. Alas, Mona was gone for the nightmarish woman, so Rain didn't ever get put into her place.
In the end Rain does make amends for some of the things she's done, though, so that's something, I guess. And I also have to admit that aside from her wrong-doings she wasn’t an unlikable person in everyday life. She just had these moments where I absolutely hated her guts, but then she changed into her old self again, and seemed to adore the ground Mona walked on, treating her like a princess (as she should).
I just want to point out that aside from Mona, Leo and (maybe) Mike every single person in this book made me want to punch them in the face. The men in this motorcycle club were absolutely horrendous, and I felt pure and utter violence against them.
Seriously, it's been a long time since a book has riled me up as much as this one. And well, obviously I could see that as a negative thing, but I'm choosing not to view it as such: after all, I must have been pretty damn into this story if I get so angry over it.
Doesn’t mean I don’t still wish that that whole clubhouse burned to the ground and Mona and Rain would have run off into the sunset together, leaving all of those bastards behind. Urgh. Men.
Anyhow, like I said before, this book frustrated me to no end, but I still really enjoyed it.
I somehow managed to be into Mona and Rain’s romance despite my protestations against some of Rain’s behaviour.
'Sex & Mayhem' series:
Coffin Nails MC:
2. The Devil's Ride - 4.0 stars
8. His Favorite Color Is Blood - 1.5 stars
9. Heart Ripper - 1.5 stars
13. Guardian Angel in Leather - 2.5 stars
Coffin Nails MC Louisiana:
6. One Step Too Close - 3.0 stars
Smoke Valley MC:
10. Outlaw Girls - 4.0 stars
12. Gutter Mind - 3.0 stars
This book literally had me pull my hair out in frustration, but damn if I wasn't incredibly invested in this story.
The whole thing is pretty angsty, and a lot of stuff happened that genuinely made me angry, yet there was also a genuine connection between Rain and Mona, and I found myself getting sucked into this book, somehow still able to enjoy the flawed and wobbly ride.
The writing was also super pleasant, and I can't say I was ever bored while reading this. The plot isn't anything to write home about, but it was pretty decent, and definitely complemented the romance well.
Rain and Mona were quite a whirlwind together. Rain was a butch, rough and androgynous biker, while Mona was the beautiful, sweet, edgy and adventurous daughter of a mafia boss. They had plenty of chemistry, and I loved their dynamic; I'm honestly a complete sucker when it comes to the butch/femme dynamic (especially if they actually work well together despite their differences), and this had that in spades!
“How about we even the score?”
Her pretty Italian girlfriend, who’d just talked about ‘fur babies’ and tempted a street cat into tummy-rubs like a freaking Disney princess, now squatted by Justin’s truck and pushed the kitchen knife into the tire in one decisive move.
The thing that bothered me, though, and made me fall into a fit of rage more than once, was how much of a bitch Rain could be. I'm not going to go into the specifics, but trust me when I say she definitely did not deserve Mona, and that did bother me a lot.
I got so frustrated with Rain's actions, and I wanted to yell at Mona to find someone better. Alas, Mona was gone for the nightmarish woman, so Rain didn't ever get put into her place.
In the end Rain does make amends for some of the things she's done, though, so that's something, I guess. And I also have to admit that aside from her wrong-doings she wasn’t an unlikable person in everyday life. She just had these moments where I absolutely hated her guts, but then she changed into her old self again, and seemed to adore the ground Mona walked on, treating her like a princess (as she should).
I just want to point out that aside from Mona, Leo and (maybe) Mike every single person in this book made me want to punch them in the face. The men in this motorcycle club were absolutely horrendous, and I felt pure and utter violence against them.
Seriously, it's been a long time since a book has riled me up as much as this one. And well, obviously I could see that as a negative thing, but I'm choosing not to view it as such: after all, I must have been pretty damn into this story if I get so angry over it.
Doesn’t mean I don’t still wish that that whole clubhouse burned to the ground and Mona and Rain would have run off into the sunset together, leaving all of those bastards behind. Urgh. Men.
Anyhow, like I said before, this book frustrated me to no end, but I still really enjoyed it.
I somehow managed to be into Mona and Rain’s romance despite my protestations against some of Rain’s behaviour.
'Sex & Mayhem' series:
Coffin Nails MC:
2. The Devil's Ride - 4.0 stars
8. His Favorite Color Is Blood - 1.5 stars
9. Heart Ripper - 1.5 stars
13. Guardian Angel in Leather - 2.5 stars
Coffin Nails MC Louisiana:
6. One Step Too Close - 3.0 stars
Smoke Valley MC:
10. Outlaw Girls - 4.0 stars
12. Gutter Mind - 3.0 stars
February 7, 2019
Genre: FF Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person
Rating:
(3.75 stars)
Mona Bruni grew up in the lap of luxury but her life was not as easy as it seemed. After running away from everything she knew, she ended up in a small town MC club house. There, she met Rain Heller who opened up her eyes to a whole another world.
I have read FF scenes and novella before but this is my first full length FF so I was excited to finally officially pop my cherry. I liked it overall but I have to admit I wanted it to be dirtier lol!
Mona and Rain came from two completely different world. Rain might be tough from the outside but she’s vulnerable in the inside. I liked how Mona was receptive and easily adaptable to her new environment.
The first 50% of the book was a little too slow for my preference and there were a lot of characters to keep up with. But I’m glad the pace picked up as the story progressed.
Outlaw Girls is a story of independence and sexual awakening. I'm looking forward to the next book with one of my favorite character of this book.
🔪 🏍 🔪 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔪 🏍 🔪
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person
Rating:
(3.75 stars)Mona Bruni grew up in the lap of luxury but her life was not as easy as it seemed. After running away from everything she knew, she ended up in a small town MC club house. There, she met Rain Heller who opened up her eyes to a whole another world.
I have read FF scenes and novella before but this is my first full length FF so I was excited to finally officially pop my cherry. I liked it overall but I have to admit I wanted it to be dirtier lol!
This was brand new territory. Sure, she’d watched all seasons of Orange Is the New Black, had a crush on Cara Delevingne, and Cate Blanchett in a suit made her ovaries tingle, but she’d never assumed her interest would move beyond that.
Mona and Rain came from two completely different world. Rain might be tough from the outside but she’s vulnerable in the inside. I liked how Mona was receptive and easily adaptable to her new environment.
“That girl isn’t like us. She will never truly accept or understand your lifestyle. The sooner you accept that, the better.”
The first 50% of the book was a little too slow for my preference and there were a lot of characters to keep up with. But I’m glad the pace picked up as the story progressed.
Outlaw Girls is a story of independence and sexual awakening. I'm looking forward to the next book with one of my favorite character of this book.
🔪 🏍 🔪 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔪 🏍 🔪
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 9, 2019
It's not often I read an FF romance but I knew I'd get something a little bit different from the pen of Kat and Agnes Merikan's alter ego Miss Merikan.
This is a hot biker chick meets Mafia princess kick ass adventure through discovering what things are truly important and what makes someone family isn't always the blood in their veins.
Mona was strong-willed and determined to break out of her father's control while Rain was willing to do almost anything to get her father's approval and be patched into their Motorcycle Club.
Seeing these two spark against each other was a delight and they really were perfect for each other. I also really liked that the club members weren't all utter jerks and I'm really interested to read Leo's story next.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a hot biker chick meets Mafia princess kick ass adventure through discovering what things are truly important and what makes someone family isn't always the blood in their veins.
Mona was strong-willed and determined to break out of her father's control while Rain was willing to do almost anything to get her father's approval and be patched into their Motorcycle Club.
Seeing these two spark against each other was a delight and they really were perfect for each other. I also really liked that the club members weren't all utter jerks and I'm really interested to read Leo's story next.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Read
February 1, 2019Woo hoo! Coming soon <3 Mafia princess meets biker chick :)
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/KAMerikan...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/KAMerikan...
February 10, 2019
At 18, Mona Bruni rebels against the arranged wedding her mafia father has ordered and flees the Las Vegas church penniless and alone. Though she has limited options, Mona is free and she makes the most of using her assets to earn money. What she doesn’t expect is to meet a girl that changes her life.
“I’ve never done this,” Mona whispered even as she stirred her hips to get more friction out of the touch. “But you want to?”
Rain Heller breaks the mold when it comes to girls in a motorcycle club. She’s tough, sexy but also has a heart. All she’s wanted is to be patched like the boys and continues to prove her worth to the club. Upon laying eyes on Mona’s voluptuous body, Rain is drawn in but finds the allure to be deeper than the surface.
“She loved feeling Mona’s legs spread for her and the dildo spearing her pussy wide open. “You like that, dirty girl?”
Thrust into a dynamic start, this storyline naturally ebbs and flows as the plot progresses. As Mona finds solace with Rain, deep feelings quickly develop and their attraction is combustible. With both characters having strong personalities, Mona is unrestrained and fights for what she believes. Rain is more measured in her actions due to her vulnerabilities, but it doesn’t lessen her intensity.
Being my first full length FF romance, I was so excited to start and immensely enjoyed the dynamic. Rain and Mona are both strong characters who are willing to sacrifice for what they want.
Outlaw Girls is a FF romance centered on two untamable women ready to fight for what they know is right.
*An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 9, 2019
This was fun, exciting, hot and fucking hell just good.
Outlaw Girls is my first ff story and I'm so glad it was, the story brought up the best of the Kat and Agnes style and introduced me to this genre.
Rain and Mona were explosive, they came from different worlds and lived very different lives but in the end they were made for each other.
I like aspects of both different ways. While rain was the more levelheaded one, she could be pretty stubborn. And Mona, omg her determination and loyalty made this romance for me even though her spoiled ass made me want to roll my eyes a few times
Quite a few characters were introduced here but I'm personally I'm not mad about, it's just potential for more stories so please give me all the characters.
I 100% recommend this book if you are looking for hot and fun ff romance with a dose badass chicks.
Outlaw Girls is my first ff story and I'm so glad it was, the story brought up the best of the Kat and Agnes style and introduced me to this genre.
Rain and Mona were explosive, they came from different worlds and lived very different lives but in the end they were made for each other.
I like aspects of both different ways. While rain was the more levelheaded one, she could be pretty stubborn. And Mona, omg her determination and loyalty made this romance for me even though her spoiled ass made me want to roll my eyes a few times
Quite a few characters were introduced here but I'm personally I'm not mad about, it's just potential for more stories so please give me all the characters.
I 100% recommend this book if you are looking for hot and fun ff romance with a dose badass chicks.
Want to read
July 3, 2022well hello there...this book is calling my name. firstly, everyone read imme's review, it's fabulous. second, i'm so happy to see authors branching out into ff romance. i hope more authors start following in their footsteps. and third, i've been looking for an ff mafia romance book since forever. can't wait.
January 20, 2020
Hmn, ... not bad per se. Oh, I don't care about the FF love story, moist sex or otherwise. I grew accustomed to that face a long, long time ago. I simply did not feel a connection between the girl in the stinky, dirty, grimy funk filled MC clubhouse who wishes for patches and the young virginesque mafia princess runaway bride. The circumstances were not believable. At all. Who wants to spend the rest of their days in this atmosphere? It wasn't real enough for me to believe these two women could in any way overcome their surroundings. Especially with some seriously asshat men living across the hall. Just saying.
April 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. It's an angsty romance. The chemistry and sexy times between Mona and Rain were off the charts. I like how their relationship progressed appropriately and happy with the way it turned out.
This is my first K.A. Merikan book but plans to read more books from this author. It was a good read and I recommend it!
April 2, 2019
3.5 stars
Not only was this book different because it was an MC book with a female in the club but it was also different because it was a f/f romance in the MC world!
I've read my fair share of MC books and while I've enjoyed the majority of them, the commonality between all is that women really don't have a main roll in the club. And while Rain technically isn't patched in yet, she does do a lot of stuff for the club and has their trust. It was really interesting meeting not only Rain but her entire, really big family. I also just really liked her personality and her perspective on things and how she talks about the misogyny that is such a big part of the culture there but how they are her family and sometimes that means overlooking some dumb shit they say or do. I think it's really realistic because in that world, she has to fight and really pull her weight to even get a little bit of respect just for being a woman but also, her father is the President of the club so she's grown up in this culture and it's something that she's used to, even if she does see how wrong certain parts are and wish things could be a little bit different.
Mona was also a really interesting character. She comes from a Italian Mafia family, which I suppose si another thing that makes this book different from the typical MC books--MC world meets Italian Mafia...and they fall in love! I don't think I can say I've read something like that before. Mona is fierce and tough especially for someone so young and really going through a hard time. I liked how she also had her vulnerabilities and weak moments but they just made her more realistic to me and I never once found myself annoyed be her (or Rain).
I haven't read many F/F books which is something I've been trying to change since it does not get even 1/4 of the recognition and attention that M/M does in the romance community which I have very strong opinions about but we'll save that conversation for another time (lol). And while I've only read a dozen or so f/f/ books so far, I've got to say that this was the first book I've read that was this level of steamy. A lot of the f/f books I've read a usually kinda cheesy, insta-lovey and just all-together a sweet romance. Which I fine but I liked that this book was grittier and sexier and just different than what I've read so far from this genre.
There were some moments where I got a little bored or just felt myself getting antsy for the end, hence the 3.5 star rating but still, this was a pretty great read overall. Definitely would recommend this to fans of mafia/MC books and just romance in general.
Not only was this book different because it was an MC book with a female in the club but it was also different because it was a f/f romance in the MC world!
I've read my fair share of MC books and while I've enjoyed the majority of them, the commonality between all is that women really don't have a main roll in the club. And while Rain technically isn't patched in yet, she does do a lot of stuff for the club and has their trust. It was really interesting meeting not only Rain but her entire, really big family. I also just really liked her personality and her perspective on things and how she talks about the misogyny that is such a big part of the culture there but how they are her family and sometimes that means overlooking some dumb shit they say or do. I think it's really realistic because in that world, she has to fight and really pull her weight to even get a little bit of respect just for being a woman but also, her father is the President of the club so she's grown up in this culture and it's something that she's used to, even if she does see how wrong certain parts are and wish things could be a little bit different.
Mona was also a really interesting character. She comes from a Italian Mafia family, which I suppose si another thing that makes this book different from the typical MC books--MC world meets Italian Mafia...and they fall in love! I don't think I can say I've read something like that before. Mona is fierce and tough especially for someone so young and really going through a hard time. I liked how she also had her vulnerabilities and weak moments but they just made her more realistic to me and I never once found myself annoyed be her (or Rain).
I haven't read many F/F books which is something I've been trying to change since it does not get even 1/4 of the recognition and attention that M/M does in the romance community which I have very strong opinions about but we'll save that conversation for another time (lol). And while I've only read a dozen or so f/f/ books so far, I've got to say that this was the first book I've read that was this level of steamy. A lot of the f/f books I've read a usually kinda cheesy, insta-lovey and just all-together a sweet romance. Which I fine but I liked that this book was grittier and sexier and just different than what I've read so far from this genre.
There were some moments where I got a little bored or just felt myself getting antsy for the end, hence the 3.5 star rating but still, this was a pretty great read overall. Definitely would recommend this to fans of mafia/MC books and just romance in general.
November 10, 2019
1.5/5
you know an f/f book was probably written by a straight person when they say they knew they were gay because they watched every episode of orange is the new black
you know an f/f book was probably written by a straight person when they say they knew they were gay because they watched every episode of orange is the new black
January 19, 2020
I’m a bit conflicted with this book. I think the writing was good and entertaining but I didn’t really liked it that much. I didn’t liked the main characters, they aren’t exactly bad written or anything, but they lack some kind of charm I want in main characters. I couldn’t get in touch with their emotions either. The plot, even though entertaining, was a bit predictable. It had its ups and downs but it isn’t really a bad book, just it wasn’t for me.
May 13, 2021
I really enjoy Merikan's MC worlds. They do a really good job with setting an atmosphere. But besides that I didn't enjoy much about this book. All the supporting characters were so horrible and despicable that it made the experience of reading this very unenjoyable. I didn't like Rain much either, especially after she did what she eventually did. I only liked Mona. I wanted to read this in preparation for Straight as a Wheel: Smoke Valley MC, but this made me really not look forward to that book anymore. Also this was my first f/f romance, which may have had something to do with it. It really wasn't for me. At first I just read through everything, but I eventually had to start skimming the sex scenes because it was just too much for me. I'll have to try some YA f/f books next that don't have those kinds of scenes to see if that helps me enjoy it more.
February 6, 2019
Wow, before I even start with the review. I will have to say that this is my second F/F romance book and yes this is the book that has converted me to reading more F/F romance. Miss Merikan did it! If your reading this review, just know that I truly enjoyed this book! I enjoyed it enough that I’m hoping to see these characters again in their other series!
The story builds up with Mona story running away and eventually meeting up with Rain in a unique setting. Right of the bat, you could feel them being extremely attracted to one another. Their chemistry flew off the hook but if you have read any books from these authors, you know that happiness will only last for a few moments. Which is good because they see their ugly in order to love and accept their beautiful selves.
Both of these women have strong independent personalities and that’s just the way I love it. I just felt that these characters were really well thought of and they matched each other perfectly. The interactions between the families were a little rough for me but in a motorcycle gang, their relationship would be ridiculed and oversexualized (even within your own family). I didn’t feel as if the story was over the top, everything that happened was just right. I am so curious about Leo, his story honestly is really intriguing me a lot and I think it has a lot to do with his protective nature of his sister and best friend Rain.
My only complaint in the book (and its nothing bad, it's just my own preferences and weirdness/freaked out attitude). I’m not a fan at all of the last car scene. It was a little too much for me, I would never want to see my lil sis or bro getting action (BARF). I do hope Leo gets his revenge on them for that stunt lol. But if anyone knows me, I’m just not into anything sexual within the family. ANYWAYS, I give this book a 4.5. It was fun, very sexy, and overall good read, I read it in one sitting!
The story builds up with Mona story running away and eventually meeting up with Rain in a unique setting. Right of the bat, you could feel them being extremely attracted to one another. Their chemistry flew off the hook but if you have read any books from these authors, you know that happiness will only last for a few moments. Which is good because they see their ugly in order to love and accept their beautiful selves.
Both of these women have strong independent personalities and that’s just the way I love it. I just felt that these characters were really well thought of and they matched each other perfectly. The interactions between the families were a little rough for me but in a motorcycle gang, their relationship would be ridiculed and oversexualized (even within your own family). I didn’t feel as if the story was over the top, everything that happened was just right. I am so curious about Leo, his story honestly is really intriguing me a lot and I think it has a lot to do with his protective nature of his sister and best friend Rain.
My only complaint in the book (and its nothing bad, it's just my own preferences and weirdness/freaked out attitude). I’m not a fan at all of the last car scene. It was a little too much for me, I would never want to see my lil sis or bro getting action (BARF). I do hope Leo gets his revenge on them for that stunt lol. But if anyone knows me, I’m just not into anything sexual within the family. ANYWAYS, I give this book a 4.5. It was fun, very sexy, and overall good read, I read it in one sitting!
February 23, 2019
I was super excited when I heard KA Merikan are writing an f/f book, so reading Outlaw Girls was a no brainer for me.
Their books aren't always working 100% for me, but they are always willing to explore a variety of topics that are mostly very well researched, and I'm happy to say they very much succeeded with their first f/f novel. It's entirely on brand with their other books, complete with the reoccuring flaws (sexism and romanticized abusive behavior), which makes it sound bad but I'm glad they didn't treat the romance differently just because it features an f/f relationship instead of m/m or m/f.
I liked both Mona and Rain, who are interesting and well fleshed out characters with their own personalities, flaws and strengths. I loved the opposites attract theme with them, or as Rain puts it:
Rain's huge family was also great: she has.... nine? I believe? Let's just say she has A LOT of siblings, and then there's tons of cousins plus assorted spouses. I'm looking forward to revisiting this huge family in another book.
Speaking of: Outlaw Girls would have fit perfectly into the Sex & Mayhem series (like, really, why is it not part of the series????? especially since the next book about a character introduced in this book will be part of it?)
Overall a must-read for all fans of KA Merikan, as well as a good introduction to the authors for new readers
Content warnings include: arranged marriage, sex on-page, sexual harrassment, assault, organized crime; mentions of: arson, past abusive relationship, murder, attempted assassination.
Their books aren't always working 100% for me, but they are always willing to explore a variety of topics that are mostly very well researched, and I'm happy to say they very much succeeded with their first f/f novel. It's entirely on brand with their other books, complete with the reoccuring flaws (sexism and romanticized abusive behavior), which makes it sound bad but I'm glad they didn't treat the romance differently just because it features an f/f relationship instead of m/m or m/f.
I liked both Mona and Rain, who are interesting and well fleshed out characters with their own personalities, flaws and strengths. I loved the opposites attract theme with them, or as Rain puts it:
"I've got a hard shell, but I'm a mess inside. Your exterior is candy, but it coats steel."I also liked the plot: daughter of a mafia lord flees an arranged marriage she was tricked into and runs right into the arms of a biker club. There she meets the daughter of the club president, who is desperate to finally be acknowledged as a full member.
Rain's huge family was also great: she has.... nine? I believe? Let's just say she has A LOT of siblings, and then there's tons of cousins plus assorted spouses. I'm looking forward to revisiting this huge family in another book.
Speaking of: Outlaw Girls would have fit perfectly into the Sex & Mayhem series (like, really, why is it not part of the series????? especially since the next book about a character introduced in this book will be part of it?)
Overall a must-read for all fans of KA Merikan, as well as a good introduction to the authors for new readers
Content warnings include: arranged marriage, sex on-page, sexual harrassment, assault, organized crime; mentions of: arson, past abusive relationship, murder, attempted assassination.
February 10, 2019
This book is advertised as a stand-alone, which it is... But there are going to be other books about different characters from this story. I LOVE how they tied in a little bit to Sex & Mayhem and GnB. Mona's sister is from Blood & Marriage (Guns N Boys 3.5) and I was so excited about that.
As for the story, expect the same level that you get from reading Sex & Mayhem. This is my third (I think) FF romance, and by far my favorite.
Rain was a dick, but a likable dick. Sometimes the way she treated Mona was just rude. I can't blame her though, she's been through some shit, and she's no longer used to having people other than family in her space. She's struggling because she WANTS to be patched in, but the misogyny that comes along with a biker gang runs real deep. It's infuriating to read because the struggle is real. So I am sympathetic to her cause.
Mona comes off as a badass, burning down churches in the first chapter, but she's also sweet as pie. Mainly due to a sheltered (ish) life. But she really is made of steel and proves it at every turn. Whether it's defending herself against men who think she owes them something or revenge on behalf of her girlfriend. She's kind of a crazy character that you can't help but love and I really hope we get to see more of her in the future. I'm also glad she gave up stripping and is doing something outside of the mold of what a "spoiled princess" would do.
As for the story, expect the same level that you get from reading Sex & Mayhem. This is my third (I think) FF romance, and by far my favorite.
Rain was a dick, but a likable dick. Sometimes the way she treated Mona was just rude. I can't blame her though, she's been through some shit, and she's no longer used to having people other than family in her space. She's struggling because she WANTS to be patched in, but the misogyny that comes along with a biker gang runs real deep. It's infuriating to read because the struggle is real. So I am sympathetic to her cause.
Mona comes off as a badass, burning down churches in the first chapter, but she's also sweet as pie. Mainly due to a sheltered (ish) life. But she really is made of steel and proves it at every turn. Whether it's defending herself against men who think she owes them something or revenge on behalf of her girlfriend. She's kind of a crazy character that you can't help but love and I really hope we get to see more of her in the future. I'm also glad she gave up stripping and is doing something outside of the mold of what a "spoiled princess" would do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2019
Mona And Rain lit up the pages with their chemistry and passion for each other. This is my first FF read and I am happy I got to read it by KA I loved the journey these ladies went through to get to there happy ending. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who looking for a kickass FF book. I voluntarily review this book for my honest opinion.
September 28, 2019
So good! And I can’t wait for Leo’s story!
December 29, 2021
I LOVE MY LESBIANS 🖤
En serio no se porque no leí esta historia antes, honestamente me gustó bastante. Ame el cliché pero lésbico 🌚✨
En serio no se porque no leí esta historia antes, honestamente me gustó bastante. Ame el cliché pero lésbico 🌚✨
Want to read
April 3, 2021
The books in the Sex & Mayhem series will generally be standalones, tied only loosely by cameos and mentions of clubs.
February 7, 2019
I already knew before reading this book that I wouldn't be disappointed with this debut in the world of f/f romance, and now, after reading it, I can confirm it.
I was used to f/f novels that dealt with themes that were too mushy for my taste or that seemed to come out of one of the worst soft porn I've ever seen, so this book was a godsend.
In this book we find the whole Merikan spirit that distinguishes this writer's duo, characters without too many frills, but rich in depth and full of problems (personal and not) to be solved.
I deeply loved the characters of Mona and Rain.
Mona is a brave young girl who is not afraid to fight for what she wants, even to say goodbye to the well-to-do life she has until now.
Rain is also a strong character, both outside and inside, with her uncaring and harsh attitude, that hides the need to find someone who can share the weight she carries on her shoulders, without having to lie to carry on a relationship.
If Mona's dream is to be able to live her life in freedom away from the shadow of her family, Rain's is just the opposite. Tired of never feeling 100% part of a family that, just because born female, does not give her the importance she deserves.
But as often happens in life, when you meet someone special, priorities can change, and with these also your dreams can change, but this is not always something you will understand easily. It may happen that you will risk making an avalanche of errors on the road to understanding it.
Obviously, the book is full of action, eroticism and many secondary characters, which maybe, some of them, won't remain secondary for long ;)
I was used to f/f novels that dealt with themes that were too mushy for my taste or that seemed to come out of one of the worst soft porn I've ever seen, so this book was a godsend.
In this book we find the whole Merikan spirit that distinguishes this writer's duo, characters without too many frills, but rich in depth and full of problems (personal and not) to be solved.
I deeply loved the characters of Mona and Rain.
Mona is a brave young girl who is not afraid to fight for what she wants, even to say goodbye to the well-to-do life she has until now.
Rain is also a strong character, both outside and inside, with her uncaring and harsh attitude, that hides the need to find someone who can share the weight she carries on her shoulders, without having to lie to carry on a relationship.
If Mona's dream is to be able to live her life in freedom away from the shadow of her family, Rain's is just the opposite. Tired of never feeling 100% part of a family that, just because born female, does not give her the importance she deserves.
But as often happens in life, when you meet someone special, priorities can change, and with these also your dreams can change, but this is not always something you will understand easily. It may happen that you will risk making an avalanche of errors on the road to understanding it.
Obviously, the book is full of action, eroticism and many secondary characters, which maybe, some of them, won't remain secondary for long ;)
February 17, 2019
To be frank, I've been waiting for this book since long because my fave author finally write about FF book and I knew I should read this one ASAP. But sadly, not like their other MM books, this book didn't work out for me.
I don't think Rain and Mona are meant to be. I only felt their relationship was only based on lust, I couldn't feel the chemistry and love between them. It was too fast for my liking. I also hate Rain, period. From the start she only did horrible and shitty things to Mona. She could be sweet at one point and switched to be a bitch at other. Honestly I felt bad for Mona, I adored this girl. She's loyal, feisty and could defend herself. I hated to see this girl being treated like shit from Rain's family. Moreover Kane, I loathed this kind of guy who always think that they gotta put a woman in her place. The only good guy is only Leo but the other only just think of their self.
I really loved the author and loved many of their books so that's why I kinda anticipated for this one but I'm so sorry the story wasn't for me. But I still hoped they would write another FF book.
I don't think Rain and Mona are meant to be. I only felt their relationship was only based on lust, I couldn't feel the chemistry and love between them. It was too fast for my liking. I also hate Rain, period. From the start she only did horrible and shitty things to Mona. She could be sweet at one point and switched to be a bitch at other. Honestly I felt bad for Mona, I adored this girl. She's loyal, feisty and could defend herself. I hated to see this girl being treated like shit from Rain's family. Moreover Kane, I loathed this kind of guy who always think that they gotta put a woman in her place. The only good guy is only Leo but the other only just think of their self.
I really loved the author and loved many of their books so that's why I kinda anticipated for this one but I'm so sorry the story wasn't for me. But I still hoped they would write another FF book.
May 18, 2023
WHEW. I am so glad I stumbled upon this book by sheer accident. It sated my thirst for violent, steamy, problematic sapphics who live happily ever after.
Look, this book has:
-an androgynous lesbian MC biker chick who's fighting her way through a man's world
-a mafia princess MC who seems cute and innocent but is equally badass
It's fun, it's super smutty, it's compulsively readable. They're morally gray and honestly toxic at times but that made me adore them even more. It's so rare to find an f/f romance like this one. They're two women surviving in a dark, violent, misogynistic world but that doesn't stop them from truly loving each other and saving each other.
Rain is literally everything I want to be.
TW for repeated attempted SA, but each time is thwarted before it happens.
Look, this book has:
-an androgynous lesbian MC biker chick who's fighting her way through a man's world
-a mafia princess MC who seems cute and innocent but is equally badass
It's fun, it's super smutty, it's compulsively readable. They're morally gray and honestly toxic at times but that made me adore them even more. It's so rare to find an f/f romance like this one. They're two women surviving in a dark, violent, misogynistic world but that doesn't stop them from truly loving each other and saving each other.
Rain is literally everything I want to be.
TW for repeated attempted SA, but each time is thwarted before it happens.
February 12, 2019
Alright
I haven't had much exposure to mc reads. That being said I had just a awful time getting into this book because of the egotistical and testosterone driven bs surrounding woman , as well as the woman that were perfectly fine and expected it portrayed in the book. (3.5 stars hands down if it take me as long as it did to get pass all that surlyness)
That being said after about 45 percent into the story I was actually able to get into the story between the two main characters rain and Mona. Granted the parts that did have them interact or talk felt rushed (possibly could use a another read for the dialog to appreciated ) their emotional connection didn't come across very clearly to me and in my opinion brought it down to 2.25 stars.
I haven't had much exposure to mc reads. That being said I had just a awful time getting into this book because of the egotistical and testosterone driven bs surrounding woman , as well as the woman that were perfectly fine and expected it portrayed in the book. (3.5 stars hands down if it take me as long as it did to get pass all that surlyness)
That being said after about 45 percent into the story I was actually able to get into the story between the two main characters rain and Mona. Granted the parts that did have them interact or talk felt rushed (possibly could use a another read for the dialog to appreciated ) their emotional connection didn't come across very clearly to me and in my opinion brought it down to 2.25 stars.
March 11, 2019
This book was provided for free by the author and Love Bytes in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
With one quick scan of the blurb, I was immediately excited to get reading. An androgynous biker chick and a runaway mafia princess finding forbidden love in the unforgiving Nevada desert? Yes, please! I’ve also been consistently intrigued by the scope of works the writing duo K.A. Merikan (using the alternative pen name Miss Merikan) tackle. Their romance interests reach far and wide, and I admire their adventurous writing spirits.
I love how this book begins—our runaway bride Mona, taking a bus to nowhere, still decked out in her wedding dress, finds herself suddenly onstage at a seedy strip club filled with bikers. And the one biker who catches her eye is Rain, the gorgeous woman who seems at home in the space but doesn’t have the same patches and status as the men around her. After a steamy dance and an extended one-night stand, Mona makes this small Nevada town a safe haven away from her family—and finds love with a cagey, overprotective biker.
Both of our main characters are really well-written. Mona is young, but she’s fiery and fiercely independent. She’s naïve but she manages to hold her own. She’s a good match for Rain, who has had a tough go of life as both a woman and a lesbian in her small community of MC members who will always look down on her. They both want something better from life, but there are always people in the way of letting them get it.
At first, the dynamic between Rain and Mona was sloppy, even if their chemistry burned. Rain was written too much like a male character in the way she treated and talked to Mona. In my experience, lesbians are nothing like straight men, and their dynamics with each other are very different. But as they became closer, we see that much of Rain’s bravado is just an act as she tries to fit in with her family, and we see the real Rain as she and Mona open up to each other. I also really enjoyed their sexual chemistry. Mona is a virgin at the start, but Rain is patient and gentle with her, showing all the ways women can make each other feel good.
Though Rain is close with her family and the tight-knit Smoke Valley MC, I often got pissed on her behalf. There’s a lot of really casual sexual harassment and violence in this book, more than I was expecting, and I wish Rain’s father and brothers were more supportive. I often so badly wanted Rain to just take Mona and start somewhere new, preferably with her own club, but it’s just not that kind of book. It’s about carving space that you deserve rather than starting off on your own, which is admirable in a different way, I suppose. I can’t say I was totally on board with the ending—I don’t think Mona got the ending she deserved—but it works with the characters and setting.
At first, I was put off by some of the callousness of this book, but by the end, this really becomes a story with a lot of heart, emotion, and real drama that keeps you invested. My favorite Merikan work so far!
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
With one quick scan of the blurb, I was immediately excited to get reading. An androgynous biker chick and a runaway mafia princess finding forbidden love in the unforgiving Nevada desert? Yes, please! I’ve also been consistently intrigued by the scope of works the writing duo K.A. Merikan (using the alternative pen name Miss Merikan) tackle. Their romance interests reach far and wide, and I admire their adventurous writing spirits.
I love how this book begins—our runaway bride Mona, taking a bus to nowhere, still decked out in her wedding dress, finds herself suddenly onstage at a seedy strip club filled with bikers. And the one biker who catches her eye is Rain, the gorgeous woman who seems at home in the space but doesn’t have the same patches and status as the men around her. After a steamy dance and an extended one-night stand, Mona makes this small Nevada town a safe haven away from her family—and finds love with a cagey, overprotective biker.
Both of our main characters are really well-written. Mona is young, but she’s fiery and fiercely independent. She’s naïve but she manages to hold her own. She’s a good match for Rain, who has had a tough go of life as both a woman and a lesbian in her small community of MC members who will always look down on her. They both want something better from life, but there are always people in the way of letting them get it.
At first, the dynamic between Rain and Mona was sloppy, even if their chemistry burned. Rain was written too much like a male character in the way she treated and talked to Mona. In my experience, lesbians are nothing like straight men, and their dynamics with each other are very different. But as they became closer, we see that much of Rain’s bravado is just an act as she tries to fit in with her family, and we see the real Rain as she and Mona open up to each other. I also really enjoyed their sexual chemistry. Mona is a virgin at the start, but Rain is patient and gentle with her, showing all the ways women can make each other feel good.
Though Rain is close with her family and the tight-knit Smoke Valley MC, I often got pissed on her behalf. There’s a lot of really casual sexual harassment and violence in this book, more than I was expecting, and I wish Rain’s father and brothers were more supportive. I often so badly wanted Rain to just take Mona and start somewhere new, preferably with her own club, but it’s just not that kind of book. It’s about carving space that you deserve rather than starting off on your own, which is admirable in a different way, I suppose. I can’t say I was totally on board with the ending—I don’t think Mona got the ending she deserved—but it works with the characters and setting.
At first, I was put off by some of the callousness of this book, but by the end, this really becomes a story with a lot of heart, emotion, and real drama that keeps you invested. My favorite Merikan work so far!
August 5, 2023
It feels like there were some things that went nowhere. I would have liked if there was more development in the relathionship and the end is a little unrealistic. Like the mafia father at the end is just like okay with everything that his daughter did. And It would have been nice if we could have seen the first weeding that Mona runned away of, because we are told she fucking set fire to the fucking church and I would have loved to see that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2019
Outlaw Girls
Love is love and fighting for the one you love will never be wrong. Choosing between her girlfriend and her family, Rain was willing to let it all go. I’m willing to read more F/F because of this book.
Love is love and fighting for the one you love will never be wrong. Choosing between her girlfriend and her family, Rain was willing to let it all go. I’m willing to read more F/F because of this book.
March 13, 2019
Two gloriously rebellious MCs (Mona and Rain), a colourful cast of side characters (so. many. siblings.) and some tropes right up my alley: including the privileged MC running away from their arranged marriage (*cough*I may have written that trope before myself*cough*). I sympathised with Mona from the get-go—how could one not? I mean, it takes courage to run away the way she did. It was also reckless and led to some intense complications, sure, but we wouldn’t have had a story without them, so it was all good. Here’s hoping the Merikans find a reason to revisit this cast soon—I would definitely be up for reading more about some of all of Rain’s siblings—or maybe even Mona’s!
May 22, 2019
Hooked from the start!
The story had in matter of a couple of paragraphs. A little action escaping a horrible situation. Freedom is the goal and pure happiness.
The story had in matter of a couple of paragraphs. A little action escaping a horrible situation. Freedom is the goal and pure happiness.
January 14, 2023
Well, I wanted a female biker story. I got that...but I did not expect a story about a half-biker who isn't allowed to actually be a member of the club, even though her own FATHER runs it. How sexist.... Which fits in with the whole theme, seeing as Mona comes from a similar, albeit richer, world, in which she was to be married off against her will and with no warning, for a business deal.
I don't care much for the Prince And The Pauper trope, but at least this version didn't involve actual royalty. Or celebrities! Win for me. However, as far as the trope goes, we only really see Rain fight for what she wants. Sure, Mona runs away, that's the premise of her story, but beyond that...nothing. She doesn't even physically fight back against members of the club who get too handsy with her. She successfully took hot tongs to a guy who came at her, but in a prior confrontation, she just froze and forgot her years of karate training. Cute, except damsels in distress really aren't. And in a future confrontation with someone else, not only did she again forget how a fight works, but I found that one incident to be worse. First, because it was two on one, with Rain right next to her, so she had more time to think things through versus being assaulted from behind in the store by a club member. Second, as soon as Rain took a punch, I would have expected instinct to kick in - both muscle memory inspired by instinct, as well as the need to help/protect Rain. Yeah, that didn't happen. Years of training and so much money gone to waste, because this little damsel apparently only likes self-defense in practice form. Sad. Now, beyond the karate, we also don't see Mona fight for her life. She's willing to work to make money so she can feel independent, but that isn't fighting for it. When her brother came for her, all she did was run. Only to give up on running because she got sad about Rain and let her brother catch her. And as I read Rain's next chapter and I wonder where Mona is now, I am envisioning her yelling, kicking, trying to run again, or at least refusing to eat or something. Nope. Why would she do any of that when she could give up and give in? The next chapter opens with her sitting primly in a wedding dress and thinking about how pointless it would be to fight! In fact, the only time she tries to fight back against her father's wishes again, is when Rain comes looking for her to apologize. So...she only has fighting spirit when the pretty girl is next to her? What does that say about Mona and her will to get out? Nothing good. More like her desire to be independent died in the face of falling in love. That's not romantic, that is sad. She can want and even have both at the same time. She didn't need Rain to run the first time, she shouldn't have been all ready to give up without her the second time. But whatever. Maybe I'm just being too feminist or something, because to me, that is no different than if the woman did that in a het-relationship. Still sexist.
Since we're not breaking the sexism problem, let's delve into the other females in this story. Oh, wait, there is nothing to say about them, because they were background noise. The most prominent female was Trixie, a stripper/hangaround in the club. She was okay, nice to Mona when no one else besides Rain and Leo were, but we didn't really get to know her or her story. Melody, the woman who first mistook Mona for Rain's stripper for her birthday party and introduced her to the club, has apparently never heard of feminism and mostly served as an example of what not to be. Like when she found out her brother assaulted Mona (and implied he was willing to rape her if she didn't play nice), and she said that Mona should be more grateful and maybe consider 'doing some favors' since everyone was helping her. Right, because having a place of employment of course means that now you owe blowjobs. Goodness, I must have been absent the day they taught that! There other women around who are quasi-members of the club through romantic/sexual relationships, mostly the wives of members, but we don't know any of them. There's Rain's mom, who sounds like a cool bitch, but we don't get to know her either. She speaks about three times in the whole book? And only in two of those scenes did she have any real relevance. Which is unfortunate, because she could have served as a voice of a reason, a break from the testosterone, a sounding board to help Rain and Mona work through some things. But those two scenes never get fleshed out. We never find out if she could have been that, if she was rooting for them all along, if she cared about her daughter's desire more than her patriarchal husband did.... Why would a reader want any of that??
I enjoyed the romance as it was, but I took issue with some elements, as stated above. I wanted more of seeing Mona learning to fit in here, of Rain being something other than standoffish or secretive, and of their family dynamics. Rain has 8 siblings, and we don't even know their names. We know Leo is her best friend and Mike wants Mona as much as Rain does, Shane isn't a member of the club due to 'a health condition', and her only sister works in Vegas, but that's about it. Undecided if I will read any more in the series.
I don't care much for the Prince And The Pauper trope, but at least this version didn't involve actual royalty. Or celebrities! Win for me. However, as far as the trope goes, we only really see Rain fight for what she wants. Sure, Mona runs away, that's the premise of her story, but beyond that...nothing. She doesn't even physically fight back against members of the club who get too handsy with her. She successfully took hot tongs to a guy who came at her, but in a prior confrontation, she just froze and forgot her years of karate training. Cute, except damsels in distress really aren't. And in a future confrontation with someone else, not only did she again forget how a fight works, but I found that one incident to be worse. First, because it was two on one, with Rain right next to her, so she had more time to think things through versus being assaulted from behind in the store by a club member. Second, as soon as Rain took a punch, I would have expected instinct to kick in - both muscle memory inspired by instinct, as well as the need to help/protect Rain. Yeah, that didn't happen. Years of training and so much money gone to waste, because this little damsel apparently only likes self-defense in practice form. Sad. Now, beyond the karate, we also don't see Mona fight for her life. She's willing to work to make money so she can feel independent, but that isn't fighting for it. When her brother came for her, all she did was run. Only to give up on running because she got sad about Rain and let her brother catch her. And as I read Rain's next chapter and I wonder where Mona is now, I am envisioning her yelling, kicking, trying to run again, or at least refusing to eat or something. Nope. Why would she do any of that when she could give up and give in? The next chapter opens with her sitting primly in a wedding dress and thinking about how pointless it would be to fight! In fact, the only time she tries to fight back against her father's wishes again, is when Rain comes looking for her to apologize. So...she only has fighting spirit when the pretty girl is next to her? What does that say about Mona and her will to get out? Nothing good. More like her desire to be independent died in the face of falling in love. That's not romantic, that is sad. She can want and even have both at the same time. She didn't need Rain to run the first time, she shouldn't have been all ready to give up without her the second time. But whatever. Maybe I'm just being too feminist or something, because to me, that is no different than if the woman did that in a het-relationship. Still sexist.
Since we're not breaking the sexism problem, let's delve into the other females in this story. Oh, wait, there is nothing to say about them, because they were background noise. The most prominent female was Trixie, a stripper/hangaround in the club. She was okay, nice to Mona when no one else besides Rain and Leo were, but we didn't really get to know her or her story. Melody, the woman who first mistook Mona for Rain's stripper for her birthday party and introduced her to the club, has apparently never heard of feminism and mostly served as an example of what not to be. Like when she found out her brother assaulted Mona (and implied he was willing to rape her if she didn't play nice), and she said that Mona should be more grateful and maybe consider 'doing some favors' since everyone was helping her. Right, because having a place of employment of course means that now you owe blowjobs. Goodness, I must have been absent the day they taught that! There other women around who are quasi-members of the club through romantic/sexual relationships, mostly the wives of members, but we don't know any of them. There's Rain's mom, who sounds like a cool bitch, but we don't get to know her either. She speaks about three times in the whole book? And only in two of those scenes did she have any real relevance. Which is unfortunate, because she could have served as a voice of a reason, a break from the testosterone, a sounding board to help Rain and Mona work through some things. But those two scenes never get fleshed out. We never find out if she could have been that, if she was rooting for them all along, if she cared about her daughter's desire more than her patriarchal husband did.... Why would a reader want any of that??
I enjoyed the romance as it was, but I took issue with some elements, as stated above. I wanted more of seeing Mona learning to fit in here, of Rain being something other than standoffish or secretive, and of their family dynamics. Rain has 8 siblings, and we don't even know their names. We know Leo is her best friend and Mike wants Mona as much as Rain does, Shane isn't a member of the club due to 'a health condition', and her only sister works in Vegas, but that's about it. Undecided if I will read any more in the series.
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