Pearl Tongue

by Tyrone Bentley

With a drug addict mother and a drug lord father, Aphtan learns how to fend for herself at an early age. Being the princess of an empire has its perks--until her father gets arrested. From stealing clothes and food to committing fraud, Aphtan does what she has to do to take care of her mother and herself. But when her schemes prove problematic, she turns to a new hustle: dancing at Pearl Tongue, the most notorious strip club in Texas . . .
For Aphtan, the job's fast money means security. Addicted to the cash, she promises herself she'll never stop--until her new man, Scooter, makes her. In love, Aphtan trades in the pole for the life of a housewife. But nothing lasts forever and Scooter's past ultimately catches up with them--bringing secrets to the surface that destroy their relationship.
Devastated, Aphtan needs a shoulder to cry on--and it belongs to Scooter's brother, Cole. Now, between betrayal, lies, murder, and a robbery that may force her to leave town for good, Aphtan's heart--and her life--are on the line.

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2017

Reviews

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fast read , kept my attention . The main character her named pissed me off . It made no sense and was hard to pronounce. After the 3rd part of the book it felt rushed and all over the place . APHA went back to the club made no sense either smh Cole couldve paid Scooter the money that was owed that he thought Apha stole smh why would Boss have his daughter living in the projects if he still had his other assets if anything she should've been sent to live with one of his stable family members , while her mother was left to figure it out since all the b.s started with her and because of her. She died way too easy . APHA was just too blind to her husband BS he was arrogant him and his brother wanted nothing out of life but to be drug lords smh ..... boss death was rushed he was made to be untouchable and ahead of everyone else but was able to killed that easy come on now.... there's no need for a part II since everyone that was important dead.

[Yellagirlgc · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book through Goodreads first reads program, so I thought I would share my thoughts (which were not required as a condition of receiving the book.) The book starts our with the main character Aphtan's father, who is a huge drug lord, creating a new drug and naming it after her. Things are going well for Aphtan when her father gets arrested for drug dealing. Aphtan knows she has to help him and her mother out so in order to do so she starts dancing at the local strip club Pearl Tongue. It isn't long before Aphtan meets Scooter and things between them heat up quickly. Not only does Scooter become Aphtan's best friend but he is also her shoulder to cry on and the one she runs to when things are good. Scooter knows that Aphtan is a dancer however he isn't a fan of other people seeing her. This book have a kind of dark mob meets stripper kind of feel to it that I really like since I don't read much of those kinds of books. I really enjoyed the characters the most. Something about Aphtan really spoke to me. I think it was the way she kind of got shit on, but she still managed to keep her head high. It also might of been the way that she took care of herself and the I don't take handouts kind of attitude that she had. I found the characters in the book very interesting all of them actually, they we very well written. The book followed Aphtan through out her whole life and talked about the many ups and downs that she went through in her relationship as well as other important parts of her life. Great book and very great story. 4/5

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sad book. Aphtan was doomed from the start. Born to the streets but was a good girl. She should have chosen Cole but chose the devil, his brother who robbed her of everything including her life. Scooter needs to get his. I wonder if there will be a second book. Aphtan is gone but I want scooter to get his and his grimy baby mamma.

[Kiera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Tyrone Bentley's debut novel, Pearl Tongue, is a gritty urban novel. It tells the tale of a young girl, Aphtan, who has to learn how to fend for herself at a very early age when her father gets arrested and her drug addict mother.is of no help. Love finds her and she's soon living a normal life, but it's missing something, and when secrets pop up, she's torn. The book is full of betrayal, murder, lies, drama, all the things that make for good reading. Considering this is the authors first foray into the literary world, I'd say that he did a good job. I look forward to reading more by this author. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves grit, suspense, drama, and edge of your seat thrills.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just found out there is no part two out yet. Hopefully soon!

[Jillian Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book.....I have a few bones to pick with this book.
I enjoyed it for the most part. There were some events in the story that just didn't really make sense (the behavior of some of the characters).
For example, you marry a known killer, you've seen him murder someone right in front of you. But yet, when you cause his rage, somehow it doesn't cross your mind that he might kill you?? (even though at this point, he has murdered your ENTIRE family) But yet you still hold onto hope that "he would never kill me".
That's just one example. I am also not thrilled with the end. Yes, there was a twist, and I guess it was ok.
The writing itself was excellent. I could clearly see what Bentley was driving at. (HA! Terrible pun)

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads Advance Readers’ Edition Win Copy

Aphtan a young girl growing up in the slums of Texas. Doing what she has to do to survive when her dad is thrown in jail for being a drug lord and a mother who is hooked on drugs. She finds herself taking a job as a stripper at Pearl Tongue where the money is good.

But she soon trades her stripping for the life of a housewife when she falls for Scooter whom she met when she was young. Slowly she finds that he has betrayed her and is responsible for t he deaths of people she loved.

What will happen to them when love go astray as she turns to his younger brother for comfort?

[Janet Knudsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark, gritty novel, Pearl Tongue brings the reader into a world of drugs, sex and violence by chronicling the life of Aphtan from age 10 to adulthood. Her story is compelling as she endures heartbreak, love and loss repeatedly. A good read over all.

[Brown Girls Read Too · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this 5 SOLID STARS!!!! I listened to the audiobook of this and it was so good! The writers attention to detail was impeccable! This story never fell flat to me and from page to page the plot thickened with excitement. I'm ready for the part two!

[Alaina Maxam · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN BOOK THAT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN OVERCOME ALMOST ANYTHING

[FMLDNR · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. a free book to me from goodreads. lp

[Rise · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read by this author and it was a good read. Now I need book 2

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Debut Novel!!!
Love the characters and the storyline. Can't wait for part 2 to see what happened between Scooter and Cole.

[Bless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pity that Aphtan couldn't live long. What a twister with Scooter and the Detective. Poor Cole, I hope he gets off the streets. Such a sweetheart.

[Mrs_Madarame · Rating 5 out of 5]

......I cried! I am so speechless right now it's not even funny. Mr. Tyrone Bentley, this book is a masterpiece!

Wow

[Diane Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is dark and really brings you into the streets, of drugs, sex, and violence. This is all about Aphtan and how she deals with growing up in this situation. I thought the book was pretty good!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Must-Read! I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down! I finished it in just a few days! So many twists and unexpected turns and very detailed. Love it! Read it, trust me!