The Mad Tatter, The Confessions of a True Womanizer, and Coveted

Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!

The Mad Tatter by J.M. Darhower

Contemporary Romance, hero pov

Reece Hatfield has just one rule when it comes to falling in don't fucking do it. There's no room in his life for another person. He can barely keep a handle on things as it is. A shadow of the man he used to be, Reece spends his days tattooing, the artist inside of him longing for the chance to do something different. Avery Moore is all dance, all the time. Ballet is all she's ever known, and she's damn good at it. Her body is her art, a living canvas that captivates Reece the first time he lays his eyes on her. He yearns to leave his mark on her body... in more ways than one. The tattooed degenerate with a shady past. The beautiful ballerina with a bright future. They live in different worlds, yet somehow, they fit. But just because they fit doesn't mean they belong together. Cracks sometimes form. Two pieces don't always make a whole. The course of love never did run smoothly. Things get messy. And Reece doesn't do messy. Not anymore.

Rating -

Can't say I was blown away by this book. It had some good elements, but for my first read of this author, I'm not extremely impressed. Maybe it's because I'm ignorant of the NY laws on trespassing and graffiti but Rhys seems to be comparable to a thief or something equally heinous. I understand that a felony was committed multiple times, but it seemed so dramatically serious in this book. It just didn't seem realistic to me and threw me off from really enjoying the story. He's a great dad. A fantastic artist. A good guy who wants to be more than. So why the emphasis that he is the equivalent of trailer trash? Because he has tattoos? Loves graffiti and other means of art? Had a child out of wedlock? I'm not getting it. Dude went to Columbia. Even I know that means something. Ah well. I don't regret reading this book. I really liked Litle Miss. Too cute!

The Confessions of a True Womanizer by Rod Ballard

Contemporary Romance, hero pov, cheating

Romeo Roosevelt was raised in a household where he witnessed his father abuse and cheat on his mother. After Romeo’s mother left his father—Romeo grew up taking on one characteristic of his father—being a “Womanizer!” Blessed with his father’s good looks and deceiving ways—Romeo’s sexy swagger and enticing demeanor makes him irresistible to women. Jumping from woman to woman was all Romeo knew. When Romeo reunites with his first love—he finds himself wanting to change for the better. Can Romeo’s first love make him give up his lust for women or will she just be another Confession of a True Womanizer?

Rating -

This was an intriguing look into the heart and mind of a "womanizer", told through the eyes and voice of one.

Romeo was his name. How apropos. Seems like his parents knew what he would try to be when they named him. He was a playa like his daddy and learned the hard way that some games shouldn't be played.

Honestly, the premise of this story was really good. I always enjoy a book with the male POV, especially when he's a reforming manwhore. I really liked how Romeo's family dynamic was described. They obviously believed that it takes a village to raise a child. Romeo had not only his mother and brother, but also solid grandparents, a fun and protective uncle in Pretty Ricky, and a best friend in his cousin Brian. This was definitely a close-knit family.

I'm not going to get into the plot because I would like to encourage everyone to read the book themselves. However, I am going to give my honest opinion on certain things.

Likes:
- overall idea for the story
- the authenticity of the characters
- the glimpses given to illustrate character development
- the balance of humour and levity throughout the dialogue and narration
- the descriptive chapter headings

Dislikes:
- I'm not sure if it's just my copy, but the dialogue between characters was hard to follow. Each line was written and included as part of the narrative and it was difficult to differentiate between who was saying what
- not all sequence changes were seamless
- to me, the pacing was a little bit too fast

In the end, there was a very short and sweet HEA, which I really appreciated. This is the first published work from this author and based on what I've rad, I can see a promising future for him. He's got some serious writing chops and I think lovers of romance should absolutely give this book a chance.

Coveted by Naomi Wyatt

Contemporary Romance

Roc knew that Yanna E. Hill was his the moment that he laid eyes on her. Yet, it was not until five years ago that he claimed her, and, ever since, she has been under his love and protection. He is obsessed with her. She is addicted to him. This passionate couple has been living in enduring and undying love... until now. Suddenly, chaos erupts. Roc has no idea which crime family could be behind these sudden attacks, but he is desperate to find out, while he protects his precious jewel, Yanna. Meanwhile, Yanna is fighting to protect her own precious jewel; her heart. Beyond the present threat of danger, Yanna sees Roc's closest loved ones as yet another threat to their relationship, and she doesn't know how long she can continue this fight that she has been battling for decades.

With a past that can destroy their future, and a present that can take them from one another forever, will this loving couple last to see happily ever after?

Rating -

This was my first time reading an inter-racial romance novel... And I loved it. I told my daughter I need some Roc in my life lol. I just wish some of the scenes were more detailed and that the "bad guy's" comeuppance was more thorough or more harsh I guess. Otherwise a very enjoyable read for me.