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" Une ballade époustouflante par une voix que vous n'oublierez jamais. " David Joy
À 8 ans, Harley McKenna a assisté à la mort violente de sa mère. Au même âge, elle a vu son père, Duke, tuer un homme. Rien de très étonnant de la part de ce baron de la drogue, connu dans tout le nord de la Californie pour sa brutalité, qui élève sa fille pour qu'elle lui succède. Mais le jour où Harley est en passe de reprendre les rênes de l'empire familial, elle décide de faire les choses à sa manière, même si cela signifie quitter le chemin tracé par son père.
Depuis Winter's Bone, on n'avait pas croisé d'héroïne aussi fascinante, émouvante, inoubliable qu'Harley McKenna. Ce roman magnifique signe la naissance d'une auteure au talent fou.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2018
325 people are currently reading
5253 people want to read
About the author
Tess Sharpe
18 books2,175 followersI do not read my goodreads mail, but if you'd like to contact me the best way to reach me is tess(at)tess-sharpe.com
Born in a mountain cabin to a punk rocker mother, Tess Sharpe grew up in rural California. She lives deep in the backwoods with a pack of dogs and a growing cabal of slightly feral cats.
Born in a mountain cabin to a punk rocker mother, Tess Sharpe grew up in rural California. She lives deep in the backwoods with a pack of dogs and a growing cabal of slightly feral cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
November 18, 2022
This was a mesmerizing, action-packed read: I gave this book a rousing standing ovation when I turned the last page!
Harley McKenna is one of the strongest and smartest young female characters I have ever come across. Don't ever underestimate Harley McKenna! She could have tried to walk away from her father's criminal empire: but instead, she decides to make it her own, and then remake it. (With the help of a renegade Biker gang and her childhood friend, Frank.)
There are references to extreme violence in this story, but the author is not sadistically graphic. ( You will certainly see a lot worse on television these days. )
There is one passage that truly sets the tone for this story: the scene where Duke McKenna is torturing her uncle Jake, who tried to take Harley away from her father in order to keep her under his own protection. Just before her father carves his initials into Jake, he says:
Harley's father ruled his drug empire with an unyielding, brutal fist, so I was interested to see how Harley would bring about change in her father's criminal empire once he passed the reigns over to her. I was not disappointed.
I prefer books that leave me with at least a trace of hope for humanity (and again, this one does not disappoint). Tess Sharpe grew up in this type of environment, as she admits in her acknowledgement at the end of the book, so she knows and conveys this world very well. Sharpe has a gritty, engaging writing style that lured me in and kept me in until the last heart-pounding page. I highly recommend this unforgettable read. Not your usual drug cartel/biker gang fare, but equally enjoyable.
Harley McKenna is one of the strongest and smartest young female characters I have ever come across. Don't ever underestimate Harley McKenna! She could have tried to walk away from her father's criminal empire: but instead, she decides to make it her own, and then remake it. (With the help of a renegade Biker gang and her childhood friend, Frank.)
There are references to extreme violence in this story, but the author is not sadistically graphic. ( You will certainly see a lot worse on television these days. )
There is one passage that truly sets the tone for this story: the scene where Duke McKenna is torturing her uncle Jake, who tried to take Harley away from her father in order to keep her under his own protection. Just before her father carves his initials into Jake, he says:
"I am who I am... That won't change. But it means Harley's a target. So I'm raising her up to be the kind of woman who doesn't just survive - she will be the kind of woman who can rule what I've built for her. A woman no man can hurt......"
After her father has done his worst, he asks Harley:
"What's the lesson here, Harley Jean?"...
... I've learned the lesson. It's not the one that Daddy meant to teach, but it's the one that's branded on my heart, just like that M is branded on Uncle Jake.
The price of loving me is pain.
Harley's father ruled his drug empire with an unyielding, brutal fist, so I was interested to see how Harley would bring about change in her father's criminal empire once he passed the reigns over to her. I was not disappointed.
I prefer books that leave me with at least a trace of hope for humanity (and again, this one does not disappoint). Tess Sharpe grew up in this type of environment, as she admits in her acknowledgement at the end of the book, so she knows and conveys this world very well. Sharpe has a gritty, engaging writing style that lured me in and kept me in until the last heart-pounding page. I highly recommend this unforgettable read. Not your usual drug cartel/biker gang fare, but equally enjoyable.
February 24, 2018
"Never cut the drugs--leave them pure. Guns are meant to be shot--keep them loaded. Family is everything--betray them and die."
This is a brutal and violent family drama set in the mountains and forests of poverty stricken North County. This is redneck country, where men who rape and abuse women are easily forgiven, after all, women are to blame for being such a terrible temptation. Harley McKenna is 22, and the only daughter of the feared Duke, crime boss and the law, whose momma died at the hands of Carl Springfield when she was a young child. This instigates a blood feud and war against the Springfields that is to define Harley's blood drenched life as Duke grooms her to take over his criminal empire. Harley is the apple of her father's eye, as she is raised by Duke to survive and rule. Harley feels a myriad of feelings towards Duke, love, hate, resentment whilst worshipping the ground he walks on, in every way possible she is a daddy's girl. She is now planning to wage war against everything Duke stands for, the deepest betrayal, to protect everyone and everything that matters to her. Like so often with plans, it barely survives the battlefield.
The narrative goes back and forth in time, focusing on significant issues and events in Harley's life that have shaped who she is, such as the first time she saw her father killing a man at 8 years old, the day her beloved Uncle Jake was killed, her encounters with the Springfields, and how Brooke ends up being her best friend. Interspersed are the lessons that Duke metes out, such as her training to become the best shooter in town, an expert with a knife, and good at hunting and killing people with impunity. Duke protects her, keeps her from school and ensures she has companionship with Will, but is not beyond terrorising her to teach her all that he knows as he moulds her in his image. Harley's totally committed to protecting the rubies, women who have been abused, who reside at the Ruby, run by Mo, an enterprise she inherited from her momma. As she begins to destroy Duke's meths business, she reflects on when she turned from Duke and turned to Will instead, and how the McKennas fall hard and fast, loving only one in their lives. Harley may be her father's daughter by nurture, but by nature, she is her momma's, to whose grave she brings offerings from the forest. More than anything, she is determined to deal with the racist and murderous Carl Springfield, but will family secrets impede her?
This may not be a book for everyone, many may find the level of brutality, abuse and violence too much for them. Indeed, Tess Sharpe has issued her own warnings of trigger issues. Sharpe has written a gritty story that I found utterly compelling. Women take front and centre stage in the narrative, being at the end of horrifying rape and abuse, and Harley is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that they are protected. Harley is a product of her environment and upbringing, with all that entails, so it is hardly surprising just how much blood letting there is in her quest. It informs how she conducts herself and whilst this might make some uneasy, I loved her character. Not everything is perfect, there are aspects of the ending that did not sit well with me, but that does not affect how superb I thought the novel is. Providing you can handle the brutality and abuse issues, this is a great read which I recommend highly! Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for an ARC.
This is a brutal and violent family drama set in the mountains and forests of poverty stricken North County. This is redneck country, where men who rape and abuse women are easily forgiven, after all, women are to blame for being such a terrible temptation. Harley McKenna is 22, and the only daughter of the feared Duke, crime boss and the law, whose momma died at the hands of Carl Springfield when she was a young child. This instigates a blood feud and war against the Springfields that is to define Harley's blood drenched life as Duke grooms her to take over his criminal empire. Harley is the apple of her father's eye, as she is raised by Duke to survive and rule. Harley feels a myriad of feelings towards Duke, love, hate, resentment whilst worshipping the ground he walks on, in every way possible she is a daddy's girl. She is now planning to wage war against everything Duke stands for, the deepest betrayal, to protect everyone and everything that matters to her. Like so often with plans, it barely survives the battlefield.
The narrative goes back and forth in time, focusing on significant issues and events in Harley's life that have shaped who she is, such as the first time she saw her father killing a man at 8 years old, the day her beloved Uncle Jake was killed, her encounters with the Springfields, and how Brooke ends up being her best friend. Interspersed are the lessons that Duke metes out, such as her training to become the best shooter in town, an expert with a knife, and good at hunting and killing people with impunity. Duke protects her, keeps her from school and ensures she has companionship with Will, but is not beyond terrorising her to teach her all that he knows as he moulds her in his image. Harley's totally committed to protecting the rubies, women who have been abused, who reside at the Ruby, run by Mo, an enterprise she inherited from her momma. As she begins to destroy Duke's meths business, she reflects on when she turned from Duke and turned to Will instead, and how the McKennas fall hard and fast, loving only one in their lives. Harley may be her father's daughter by nurture, but by nature, she is her momma's, to whose grave she brings offerings from the forest. More than anything, she is determined to deal with the racist and murderous Carl Springfield, but will family secrets impede her?
This may not be a book for everyone, many may find the level of brutality, abuse and violence too much for them. Indeed, Tess Sharpe has issued her own warnings of trigger issues. Sharpe has written a gritty story that I found utterly compelling. Women take front and centre stage in the narrative, being at the end of horrifying rape and abuse, and Harley is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that they are protected. Harley is a product of her environment and upbringing, with all that entails, so it is hardly surprising just how much blood letting there is in her quest. It informs how she conducts herself and whilst this might make some uneasy, I loved her character. Not everything is perfect, there are aspects of the ending that did not sit well with me, but that does not affect how superb I thought the novel is. Providing you can handle the brutality and abuse issues, this is a great read which I recommend highly! Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for an ARC.
March 25, 2020
In Barbed Wire Heart, we follow Harley as she attempts to con half a county into fighting each other and pushing the corrupt out of power. And also kills some rapists along the way.
Harley’s energy in this… is so powerful. She is an excellently drawn character: complicated, conflicted, taught to be hard but still caring deeply for Brooke and Will.
Something I loved about this book was the extensive and interesting cast of side characters.
→Brooke, a good friend and ally.
→Will, Harley’s childhood friend and perhaps something more
→Cooper, member of Harley’s group
→Mo, protector of the Rubies
→Bennet, a more ambiguous member of the Springfields
→Molly, a girl Harley saved.
→Jessa, member of the Rubies.
→Frankie, a local non-corrupt cop with an interesting arc of her own
My favorite thing about this book, however, was the duplicitousness. Honestly, I really just love scheme books. The setup, the waiting for the payoff to come, and then finally the seeing it come… we love to see it and we definitely love to read it. Seeing Harley’s plot come together keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know both whether her con will work out and how exactly it will work, and seeing things work and not work is so satisfying. I loved seeing the pieces come together and watching her grow and change through it.
Barbed Wire Heart is a very excellent book about schemes, moral greyness, and the ways in which an entire town can struggle - in different ways - and I’m very very glad I read it.
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Harley’s energy in this… is so powerful. She is an excellently drawn character: complicated, conflicted, taught to be hard but still caring deeply for Brooke and Will.
Something I loved about this book was the extensive and interesting cast of side characters.
→Brooke, a good friend and ally.
→Will, Harley’s childhood friend and perhaps something more
→Cooper, member of Harley’s group
→Mo, protector of the Rubies
→Bennet, a more ambiguous member of the Springfields
→Molly, a girl Harley saved.
→Jessa, member of the Rubies.
→Frankie, a local non-corrupt cop with an interesting arc of her own
My favorite thing about this book, however, was the duplicitousness. Honestly, I really just love scheme books. The setup, the waiting for the payoff to come, and then finally the seeing it come… we love to see it and we definitely love to read it. Seeing Harley’s plot come together keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know both whether her con will work out and how exactly it will work, and seeing things work and not work is so satisfying. I loved seeing the pieces come together and watching her grow and change through it.
Barbed Wire Heart is a very excellent book about schemes, moral greyness, and the ways in which an entire town can struggle - in different ways - and I’m very very glad I read it.
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December 12, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
“You gotta be like barbed wire. Tough no matter what, ready to tangle with anyone who gets too close.”
Do you suck at keeping up with reviews? (Don’t answer that, Ron, we all know you do.) If so, is there a reason one (or 30) fall through the cracks? It can’t be because I didn’t like this book because holy crap I liked this one. (Meth = 4 Stars. Kidding. Sort of.). And yet somehow I read it 42,000 days ago and never bothered posting. Now you get next to nothing because Old Lady Brain is a debilitating condition so the details are scarce. Simply put, this is a story about . . . . .
No - not that kind of Family Feud – more like the Hatfield and McCoy version that has been going on for an age and even murdering the other’s family members isn’t over the line. The focus is on Harley McKenna, daughter of a criminal who has been working for him since she was only 16. Now the Springfield clan are closing in on Daddy Duke’s operation and Harley has decided she’s had enough. Her plan is to take out both operations . . . . .
Here’s where I win my mother-of-the-year award, because despite the fact that this is a violent, gritty type of tale, I would totally market it as YA. What you have to understand is when I say “YA” I mean like Juniors and Seniors in high school. This book was a freaking feminist manifesto that kicked ass and took names and I would highly recommend it to older young adults. It’s in your face and no nonsense and that is the kind of daughter I would want to raise if I had one.
“You gotta be like barbed wire. Tough no matter what, ready to tangle with anyone who gets too close.”
Do you suck at keeping up with reviews? (Don’t answer that, Ron, we all know you do.) If so, is there a reason one (or 30) fall through the cracks? It can’t be because I didn’t like this book because holy crap I liked this one. (Meth = 4 Stars. Kidding. Sort of.). And yet somehow I read it 42,000 days ago and never bothered posting. Now you get next to nothing because Old Lady Brain is a debilitating condition so the details are scarce. Simply put, this is a story about . . . . .
No - not that kind of Family Feud – more like the Hatfield and McCoy version that has been going on for an age and even murdering the other’s family members isn’t over the line. The focus is on Harley McKenna, daughter of a criminal who has been working for him since she was only 16. Now the Springfield clan are closing in on Daddy Duke’s operation and Harley has decided she’s had enough. Her plan is to take out both operations . . . . .
Here’s where I win my mother-of-the-year award, because despite the fact that this is a violent, gritty type of tale, I would totally market it as YA. What you have to understand is when I say “YA” I mean like Juniors and Seniors in high school. This book was a freaking feminist manifesto that kicked ass and took names and I would highly recommend it to older young adults. It’s in your face and no nonsense and that is the kind of daughter I would want to raise if I had one.
March 6, 2018
Tess Sharpe is a new name for me since I don't read much YA nowadays. However, I might have to check out her other books because this her first novel for adults blow my mind. I can honestly say that I was both surprised and delighted on how good the book is. Now, I felt right from the start, reading the first chapter that this felt right, it caught my attention and I was sucked into Harley's world. A friend on twitter called this rural noir and that is a fitting description of this book.
Harley McKenna is the only daughter of Duke McKenna, North County's biggest baddest criminal. She's been working for him since she was sixteen collecting debts as he's trained her to one day take over after him. However, time is up now, his father's archnemesis Carl Springfield, the man who is responsible for Harley's mom's death, is closing in on them and Hartley has decided enough is enough, and she knows that this world that here father and Springfield has created, a deadly world will be the end of her. So, she decided to change it all, and take out both her father's and operation and Springfields.
Barbed Wire Heart is a gritty book about family, survival, and meth. Harley is not your typical young woman, she watched her mother get killed when she was little. Not long time after that did she watch her father kill a man. That's just a small part of what she has been through and through this story, we get to follow Harley as she once and for all change, her future, at the same time do we get interwoven chapters from her childhood and teens that explain how she grows to be the woman she is today. It's such a fabulous book. I loved reading it, I found Harley to be such a wonderful character and I was totally engrossed in the book. Yes, it's a violent book, but it's a violent world that Harley lives in. However, there are some lighter moments, one of the best and most heartbreaking chapters is one of the shortest when Harley recollects a memory of her father from when she was little. It was heartbreaking. I could go on and on about this book, but I will just say that this is a book that I'm truly glad that I read and it's definitely one of the best I have read this year.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Harley McKenna is the only daughter of Duke McKenna, North County's biggest baddest criminal. She's been working for him since she was sixteen collecting debts as he's trained her to one day take over after him. However, time is up now, his father's archnemesis Carl Springfield, the man who is responsible for Harley's mom's death, is closing in on them and Hartley has decided enough is enough, and she knows that this world that here father and Springfield has created, a deadly world will be the end of her. So, she decided to change it all, and take out both her father's and operation and Springfields.
Barbed Wire Heart is a gritty book about family, survival, and meth. Harley is not your typical young woman, she watched her mother get killed when she was little. Not long time after that did she watch her father kill a man. That's just a small part of what she has been through and through this story, we get to follow Harley as she once and for all change, her future, at the same time do we get interwoven chapters from her childhood and teens that explain how she grows to be the woman she is today. It's such a fabulous book. I loved reading it, I found Harley to be such a wonderful character and I was totally engrossed in the book. Yes, it's a violent book, but it's a violent world that Harley lives in. However, there are some lighter moments, one of the best and most heartbreaking chapters is one of the shortest when Harley recollects a memory of her father from when she was little. It was heartbreaking. I could go on and on about this book, but I will just say that this is a book that I'm truly glad that I read and it's definitely one of the best I have read this year.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Read
November 25, 2018Hi everyone, Tess Sharpe here!
I just wanted to drop the link to a list of Trigger Warnings for the book for anyone who needs it: Trigger Warnings for Barbed Wire Heart
--TS
I just wanted to drop the link to a list of Trigger Warnings for the book for anyone who needs it: Trigger Warnings for Barbed Wire Heart
--TS
May 11, 2018
Audiobook
Violent, Angry, Abusive, Drugs, Revenge, Child/Wife Abuse - this is not a pretty read.
Not my kind of read but it held me to the end. I don't enjoy reading real life like abuse, drama, and death. The MC was an emotionally abused woman raised to be a drug lord. Her life is a solid mess, she has a heart but can never show it. I did love the ending, well done.
Violent, Angry, Abusive, Drugs, Revenge, Child/Wife Abuse - this is not a pretty read.
Not my kind of read but it held me to the end. I don't enjoy reading real life like abuse, drama, and death. The MC was an emotionally abused woman raised to be a drug lord. Her life is a solid mess, she has a heart but can never show it. I did love the ending, well done.
March 17, 2018
Though it is early yet, sometimes there are novels that surprise me when it comes to the lack of public attention and those that seem to receive more than the novel deserve.
Barbed Wire Heart by Tess Sharpe is one of the novels that surprise me when it comes to the lack of publicity and attention. Though it may be a bit too early since the novel was just released earlier this month, to this reader, Barbed Wire Heart is the type of novel that should be receiving raves in many of the crime fiction/thriller blogs out there, but for some reason has yet to bust through.
Barbed Wire Heart is about the rise of Haley McKenna, a twenty-something woman raised by Duke McKenna, the county's most feared crime lord, in the mountains of northern California.
All of her life, Duke McKenna has trained and provided Haley with lessons needed to ensure her survival in the eventual taking over of his crime empire. In this world are shaky alliances with even shakier and untrustworthy characters that carry possible harm to Harley at any given time. Duke McKenna is so feared, the mere mention of his name is enough to keep most men under his thumb.
Sharpe has created an interesting environment with believable and well-developed characters, built with motives of their own that add to the depth of the novel. The characters are not built upon bases of comic book invincibility that go beyond belief, nor are episodes of unbelievable circumstances created that allow the plot to fall into the realm of the absurd.
Also, often times when you think you have aspects of the story figured out, Sharpe throws in nice little twists and turns to keep the reader surprised.
One could even describe this novel as Southern Noir, even though it takes place in the hills, hollows, and mountains of Northern California.
High recommended to readers who enjoy novels by Daniel Woodrell, William Gay and the many new writers of Southern literature with the tilt toward the darker aspects of life and criminality.
Barbed Wire Heart by Tess Sharpe is one of the novels that surprise me when it comes to the lack of publicity and attention. Though it may be a bit too early since the novel was just released earlier this month, to this reader, Barbed Wire Heart is the type of novel that should be receiving raves in many of the crime fiction/thriller blogs out there, but for some reason has yet to bust through.
Barbed Wire Heart is about the rise of Haley McKenna, a twenty-something woman raised by Duke McKenna, the county's most feared crime lord, in the mountains of northern California.
All of her life, Duke McKenna has trained and provided Haley with lessons needed to ensure her survival in the eventual taking over of his crime empire. In this world are shaky alliances with even shakier and untrustworthy characters that carry possible harm to Harley at any given time. Duke McKenna is so feared, the mere mention of his name is enough to keep most men under his thumb.
Sharpe has created an interesting environment with believable and well-developed characters, built with motives of their own that add to the depth of the novel. The characters are not built upon bases of comic book invincibility that go beyond belief, nor are episodes of unbelievable circumstances created that allow the plot to fall into the realm of the absurd.
Also, often times when you think you have aspects of the story figured out, Sharpe throws in nice little twists and turns to keep the reader surprised.
One could even describe this novel as Southern Noir, even though it takes place in the hills, hollows, and mountains of Northern California.
High recommended to readers who enjoy novels by Daniel Woodrell, William Gay and the many new writers of Southern literature with the tilt toward the darker aspects of life and criminality.
March 1, 2019
2.5 stars
The GR blurb gives away almost the entire plot. As the plot relies on reveals to engage the reader, I strongly recommend going in completely blind.
The book reminds me of The Marsh King’s Daughter in a lot of ways. The cover declares it a thriller, but I don’t think it’s thriller-y enough to call it that. It’s more of a high-action, gritty contemporary.
The book is entirely in first person present tense. I hate this more and more as I keep encountering it. I already automatically deduct half a star for that, and I will soon start boycotting these books. Please, authors, stop doing this.
Every other chapter is in the past, so I have to wonder WHY didn’t the author write in PAST tense for the PAST? The past is not in chronological order, either, and the past and present events are so similar, I often forgot which time period I was in.
The book is narrated by the author, who comes across as angry and bitter the whole time. All her male characters are dumb racist rapists.
All the women are victims of domestic violence because they’re too dumb to choose good boyfriends. The few who aren’t are there to be victims. While preaching man-hate the whole book, the author rails against racism. Hypocrisy much? It got really preachy, which got old quick. We all agree racism and rape are wrong, for crying out loud.
The book takes place in Shasta County, California, northwest of Burney. My family comes from Modoc County, northeast of Burney, so I am quite familiar with the area. I was surprised at how the author portrayed the small-town people she grew up with as a bunch of dumb hicks and racists. Everybody in that area would be offended. Here’s a picture of Burney Falls, mentioned near the beginning:
The book does a good job at showing why women need guns for self-defense. It does not accurately portray how LOUD guns are. All these characters would have permanent hearing damage and tinnitus by the end of the book.
Every scene involves somebody getting shot or beat up. The lack of variety made the story drag in places and added to me forgetting which time period I was in. Yet it remained compelling enough to keep going, and I expect plenty of people will enjoy it.
The GR blurb gives away almost the entire plot. As the plot relies on reveals to engage the reader, I strongly recommend going in completely blind.
The book reminds me of The Marsh King’s Daughter in a lot of ways. The cover declares it a thriller, but I don’t think it’s thriller-y enough to call it that. It’s more of a high-action, gritty contemporary.
The book is entirely in first person present tense. I hate this more and more as I keep encountering it. I already automatically deduct half a star for that, and I will soon start boycotting these books. Please, authors, stop doing this.
Every other chapter is in the past, so I have to wonder WHY didn’t the author write in PAST tense for the PAST? The past is not in chronological order, either, and the past and present events are so similar, I often forgot which time period I was in.
The book is narrated by the author, who comes across as angry and bitter the whole time. All her male characters are dumb racist rapists.
All the women are victims of domestic violence because they’re too dumb to choose good boyfriends. The few who aren’t are there to be victims. While preaching man-hate the whole book, the author rails against racism. Hypocrisy much? It got really preachy, which got old quick. We all agree racism and rape are wrong, for crying out loud.
The book takes place in Shasta County, California, northwest of Burney. My family comes from Modoc County, northeast of Burney, so I am quite familiar with the area. I was surprised at how the author portrayed the small-town people she grew up with as a bunch of dumb hicks and racists. Everybody in that area would be offended. Here’s a picture of Burney Falls, mentioned near the beginning:
The book does a good job at showing why women need guns for self-defense. It does not accurately portray how LOUD guns are. All these characters would have permanent hearing damage and tinnitus by the end of the book.
Every scene involves somebody getting shot or beat up. The lack of variety made the story drag in places and added to me forgetting which time period I was in. Yet it remained compelling enough to keep going, and I expect plenty of people will enjoy it.
April 4, 2018
4 riveting stars
Boy was this intense! This was my first Tess Sharpe novel & it certainly won't be my last. From beginning to end, Harley demanded my attention. She is strong, stubbornly determined, brazen, & most of all, she is a complexly flawed human being. There were times I could understand her logic; occasionally I shook my head & could only buckle myself up for the ride. One thing's for sure: Harley is a women on a mission & you do not want to get in her way. Several snippets of dialogue made me doubt the authenticity (as in you most likely wouldn't catch someone saying these things out loud in your daily life), but really, it was all in good fun.
I adored the relationship Harley had with Will. In my eyes, Will made her a better person by reminding her of her mother's side (the kindness), & ended up being the only one who could truly piece their way through her barbed wire heart. If I loved one dynamic in a book, chances are I'm going to hate another dynamic just as much. That's true with Harley & her father, Duke. God did I hate him. He stained everything he touched & I don't feel bad saying I didn't care what happened to him. The father/daughter duo is intense here.*
I also liked the majority of the side characters-especially Brooke. (No bias here :) The pacing was good; I constantly went "Oh shit. What's gonna happen now?" & I thought it was near-perfect until the last 80%. After that, I did feel the speedball start to slow down & I was a bit disappointed with the ending, considering all of that buildup. I am really happy to see a "take no shit" female character be in charge & how she never took the easy way out. There are also themes of White Nationalism/neo-Nazis & how Will got treated like shit because he is Indigenous. Because this was crucial to the novel, I felt like there could have been (not necessarily more) a greater pull to this. For example, more scenes with Will fronting the line & having confrontations with these "individuals" would have sufficed. We get a lot of Harley explaining what it was like for Will growing up, but never actual face-to-face confrontation. A prime example of telling, not showing that thankfully doesn't occur often in this book.
Sharpe mentions her white privilege in the acknowledgements. I can get behind that 100%, but I am still sad that because these themes weren't tied in so seamlessly as Harley's character arc that it may fail to bring the message home to some. I would have liked to see these things intertwine in a hand-in-hand fashion. Yes, there are microaggressions, but I'm a picky bitch & it wasn't enough for me, though it will be for many. But, it's an adult debut & frankly, the things she did right here outweigh the things she didn't. Before I picked this up, I went through her list of trigger warnings (which can be found here) & was impressed. I think this is the first time I've seen an author TW their own book, especially before it was officially released. Here's someone who would rather have their readers stay safe than worried about what # it'll be ranked on a list & how much $$ they're getting. Another tally mark for Sharpe.
Overall this was an excellent read & I recommend it to fans of the genre. Harley is a character that will stay with me for a long time. I cannot wait to read what Sharpe creates next.
*general TWs include: abuse, racism, hurting animals (no death), assault/violence & drugs
Boy was this intense! This was my first Tess Sharpe novel & it certainly won't be my last. From beginning to end, Harley demanded my attention. She is strong, stubbornly determined, brazen, & most of all, she is a complexly flawed human being. There were times I could understand her logic; occasionally I shook my head & could only buckle myself up for the ride. One thing's for sure: Harley is a women on a mission & you do not want to get in her way. Several snippets of dialogue made me doubt the authenticity (as in you most likely wouldn't catch someone saying these things out loud in your daily life), but really, it was all in good fun.
I adored the relationship Harley had with Will. In my eyes, Will made her a better person by reminding her of her mother's side (the kindness), & ended up being the only one who could truly piece their way through her barbed wire heart. If I loved one dynamic in a book, chances are I'm going to hate another dynamic just as much. That's true with Harley & her father, Duke. God did I hate him. He stained everything he touched & I don't feel bad saying I didn't care what happened to him. The father/daughter duo is intense here.*
I also liked the majority of the side characters-especially Brooke. (No bias here :) The pacing was good; I constantly went "Oh shit. What's gonna happen now?" & I thought it was near-perfect until the last 80%. After that, I did feel the speedball start to slow down & I was a bit disappointed with the ending, considering all of that buildup. I am really happy to see a "take no shit" female character be in charge & how she never took the easy way out. There are also themes of White Nationalism/neo-Nazis & how Will got treated like shit because he is Indigenous. Because this was crucial to the novel, I felt like there could have been (not necessarily more) a greater pull to this. For example, more scenes with Will fronting the line & having confrontations with these "individuals" would have sufficed. We get a lot of Harley explaining what it was like for Will growing up, but never actual face-to-face confrontation. A prime example of telling, not showing that thankfully doesn't occur often in this book.
Sharpe mentions her white privilege in the acknowledgements. I can get behind that 100%, but I am still sad that because these themes weren't tied in so seamlessly as Harley's character arc that it may fail to bring the message home to some. I would have liked to see these things intertwine in a hand-in-hand fashion. Yes, there are microaggressions, but I'm a picky bitch & it wasn't enough for me, though it will be for many. But, it's an adult debut & frankly, the things she did right here outweigh the things she didn't. Before I picked this up, I went through her list of trigger warnings (which can be found here) & was impressed. I think this is the first time I've seen an author TW their own book, especially before it was officially released. Here's someone who would rather have their readers stay safe than worried about what # it'll be ranked on a list & how much $$ they're getting. Another tally mark for Sharpe.
Overall this was an excellent read & I recommend it to fans of the genre. Harley is a character that will stay with me for a long time. I cannot wait to read what Sharpe creates next.
*general TWs include: abuse, racism, hurting animals (no death), assault/violence & drugs
April 21, 2018
The feminist Breaking Bad we all needed.
February 3, 2018
One of the few recent arcs I’m glad to have taken a chance on! I knew as soon as I heard the pitch ‘feminist Breaking Bad’ that I had to have this book, and I ended up actually enjoying it a lot despite some minor qualms.
The novel follows 25 year old Harley, daughter of Duke McKenna, the infamous crime boss of her home, North County. The novel recounts Harley’s unconventional childhood as well as attempts to stop an impending turf war with the Springfields, the people responsible for the death of Harley’s mother.
This book is kind of badass. I mean, how often do we get to see criminal ladies as leads in novels? And with a feminist, girl-power twist? And moral ambiguity? More of this, please!
It’s a pretty violent novel, which can be a good or bad thing depending on what type of reader you are. I appreciated the grittiness the violence added to the story.
This is a novel I would say is close to a character study. Harley is an extremely developed character with a lot of backstory. She is flawed, but good hearted, scary but will do anything for those she cares about. One of the better written characters I’ve read in awhile.
I liked the way the story was structured. It incorporates years of Harley’s past by starting chapters describing the first time things happened in her life, such as the first time she saw her father kill someone.
There is a romance, which I wasn’t completely sold on, but it also wasn’t a huge part of the story. I liked both characters enough on their own that I didn’t mind it.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Harley’s constant companion is her loyal pit bull, Busy, who she rescued as a puppy. There are a few quotes that kind of perpetuate the lockjaw myth, but I’m always on the lookout for positive pit bull portrayals, which this was for the most part.
My only qualm with the novel is that it could get a little on the dramatic side for my taste. There were some lines that would definitely feel silly if said in real life, but the drama definitely fit the overall vibe of the book.
Recommended for anyone who’s ever wished there was a show like Breaking Bad or Sons of Anarchy with a female lead. I wouldn’t really call this a thriller, but if you’re interested in a kickass, violent novel with a strong MC, I would encourage to keep a look out for this one when it hits shelves in March!
The novel follows 25 year old Harley, daughter of Duke McKenna, the infamous crime boss of her home, North County. The novel recounts Harley’s unconventional childhood as well as attempts to stop an impending turf war with the Springfields, the people responsible for the death of Harley’s mother.
This book is kind of badass. I mean, how often do we get to see criminal ladies as leads in novels? And with a feminist, girl-power twist? And moral ambiguity? More of this, please!
Mo knows every story, every detail, every bruise and broken bone on every woman’s who’s ever lived here’s body. Sometimes I think I understand, and then something happens, like today, and I realize I’ve just scraped the surface. Of the evil in the world. Of the good. Of the strength in every woman.
It’s a pretty violent novel, which can be a good or bad thing depending on what type of reader you are. I appreciated the grittiness the violence added to the story.
This is a novel I would say is close to a character study. Harley is an extremely developed character with a lot of backstory. She is flawed, but good hearted, scary but will do anything for those she cares about. One of the better written characters I’ve read in awhile.
I liked the way the story was structured. It incorporates years of Harley’s past by starting chapters describing the first time things happened in her life, such as the first time she saw her father kill someone.
My childhood wasn’t bikes and swim parties, it was full metal jackets and other men’s blood crusted beneath Duke’s fingernails.
There is a romance, which I wasn’t completely sold on, but it also wasn’t a huge part of the story. I liked both characters enough on their own that I didn’t mind it.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Harley’s constant companion is her loyal pit bull, Busy, who she rescued as a puppy. There are a few quotes that kind of perpetuate the lockjaw myth, but I’m always on the lookout for positive pit bull portrayals, which this was for the most part.
My only qualm with the novel is that it could get a little on the dramatic side for my taste. There were some lines that would definitely feel silly if said in real life, but the drama definitely fit the overall vibe of the book.
Recommended for anyone who’s ever wished there was a show like Breaking Bad or Sons of Anarchy with a female lead. I wouldn’t really call this a thriller, but if you’re interested in a kickass, violent novel with a strong MC, I would encourage to keep a look out for this one when it hits shelves in March!
March 5, 2018
4 Stars!
This book was very different from what I normally read. I was a little nervous going into it as I thought maybe I wouldn't like it but as you can see from my rating I really enjoyed it!
We meet Duke and Harley. They are an unstoppable Father/Daughter Duo and they are tough as nails. They are the McKennas and if you live in the area you know that the Mckennas run this town. This book definitely tackles some hard subjects however if you really think about it it's also taking us through a father/daughter relationship when the father is raising his daughter, a love story with Harley and the bond women can form when they have something in common.
If anyone has ever watched Breaking Bad (which I've only watched one episode with my Dad and that was enough haha) this is kind of similar but with more of a southern twist to it. I'm a midwest girl myself but I really enjoyed getting to know Harley, Duke and the rest of the characters. They were weirdly relatable just not in the drugs and violence kind of way.
Trigger warning: this book tackles some really rough subjects: drugs, abuse, rape and violence (in specific mostly guns). So if any of these are something you can't handle I would proceed with caution. However Tess Sharpe weaves all of these tough subjects throughout the story while still telling the story in a real way.
Ultimately what I loved about this book was the strong female presence. I feel like when you think of tough subject (see trigger warnings above) men mostly come to mind. However the women in this story were far more powerful then the men. They were tough, smart, tactful and empowering. Personally, i'd want to be part of the Rubies (that's what they call themselves) rather than against them.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Tess Sharpe for an ARC of this book. This hits shelves on March 6th and I would pick it up if you're looking for something new!
This book was very different from what I normally read. I was a little nervous going into it as I thought maybe I wouldn't like it but as you can see from my rating I really enjoyed it!
We meet Duke and Harley. They are an unstoppable Father/Daughter Duo and they are tough as nails. They are the McKennas and if you live in the area you know that the Mckennas run this town. This book definitely tackles some hard subjects however if you really think about it it's also taking us through a father/daughter relationship when the father is raising his daughter, a love story with Harley and the bond women can form when they have something in common.
If anyone has ever watched Breaking Bad (which I've only watched one episode with my Dad and that was enough haha) this is kind of similar but with more of a southern twist to it. I'm a midwest girl myself but I really enjoyed getting to know Harley, Duke and the rest of the characters. They were weirdly relatable just not in the drugs and violence kind of way.
Trigger warning: this book tackles some really rough subjects: drugs, abuse, rape and violence (in specific mostly guns). So if any of these are something you can't handle I would proceed with caution. However Tess Sharpe weaves all of these tough subjects throughout the story while still telling the story in a real way.
Ultimately what I loved about this book was the strong female presence. I feel like when you think of tough subject (see trigger warnings above) men mostly come to mind. However the women in this story were far more powerful then the men. They were tough, smart, tactful and empowering. Personally, i'd want to be part of the Rubies (that's what they call themselves) rather than against them.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Tess Sharpe for an ARC of this book. This hits shelves on March 6th and I would pick it up if you're looking for something new!
dnf
April 6, 2018DNF @ 16%
Southern Gothic is my jam and Barbed Wire Heart sounded right up my alley. Of course, when you compare anything to Winter’s Bone I’m even more on board. Harley McKenna’s character did in fact, read a lot like Ree Dolly with her badass nature and overall inability to sit on the sidelines letting someone else handle business. It’s an admirable quality and I’m quite fond of this characteristic in female characters. For some reason though, something about the characters, the atmosphere, and the story itself just never rang true for me. It felt like a combination of a lack of authenticity and simply trying too hard to fit in all the guns, the drugs, the bad men, and excessive violence that are characters in and of themselves in novels of this ilk. Whatever it was that ultimately turned me off from this story, I wish it wasn’t the case because I had high hopes for this one.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Southern Gothic is my jam and Barbed Wire Heart sounded right up my alley. Of course, when you compare anything to Winter’s Bone I’m even more on board. Harley McKenna’s character did in fact, read a lot like Ree Dolly with her badass nature and overall inability to sit on the sidelines letting someone else handle business. It’s an admirable quality and I’m quite fond of this characteristic in female characters. For some reason though, something about the characters, the atmosphere, and the story itself just never rang true for me. It felt like a combination of a lack of authenticity and simply trying too hard to fit in all the guns, the drugs, the bad men, and excessive violence that are characters in and of themselves in novels of this ilk. Whatever it was that ultimately turned me off from this story, I wish it wasn’t the case because I had high hopes for this one.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 21, 2018
I read almost half of this and I am calling it quits. I absolutely loved this author's YA debut, Far From You. But this book was a big hot mess and not for me at all.
Everything felt forced. The violence, the drama, the abuse, the explosions and stabbings all felt put there just for the sake of having it in there. In my opinion it went too far. Look, I read a book about a drug lord carving his initials into the love interest's back, so I can handle violence. But the author must do a convincing job of making me believe it's there for a reason. This just went ridiculously far to the point that it was a bad joke. After a while I was rolling my eyes.
For example:
It was also all over the place to the point where it almost didn't have a plot. It flips back and forth from past to present, but all the flashback scenes are from different years, so Harley is all different ages and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to why each scene is placed where it is which makes it read disjointed and meandering. Then twists will come out of nowhere, but there's like zero foreshadowing.
I just wasn't impressed. It is a RESOUNDING DNF.
Everything felt forced. The violence, the drama, the abuse, the explosions and stabbings all felt put there just for the sake of having it in there. In my opinion it went too far. Look, I read a book about a drug lord carving his initials into the love interest's back, so I can handle violence. But the author must do a convincing job of making me believe it's there for a reason. This just went ridiculously far to the point that it was a bad joke. After a while I was rolling my eyes.
For example:
I drag the knife up his chest to his throat. "Now here..." I tap the blade against his neck. His Adam's apple bobs frantically as his breath stutters in the back of his throat. "Here's the sweet spot. Fast, efficient. You drown in your own blood for a little while, but it doesn't hurt as much as, say, getting gutted." I smile at him, my sweet smile, like I'm handling him some lemonade at Youth Group. "So which one is it gonna be, Tripp?"
It was also all over the place to the point where it almost didn't have a plot. It flips back and forth from past to present, but all the flashback scenes are from different years, so Harley is all different ages and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to why each scene is placed where it is which makes it read disjointed and meandering. Then twists will come out of nowhere, but there's like zero foreshadowing.
I just wasn't impressed. It is a RESOUNDING DNF.
May 4, 2018
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me. I think the author had a good idea going, with this book, but it just felt flat to me. I did respect, what the main character was trying to accomplish, but it was marred down by a lot of talk of drugs and violence. Neither of those things bother me, if they are used to explain a story line or scene, but in this book is felt never ending. I also wasn't a fan of every other chapter being set in the past. Maybe it would have made more sense if it was told in some sort of order but instead the back story jumped all over place from one chapter being about something that happened when she was ten to then jumping, to another point, when she was sixteen. To sum it up, I think the book was a valiant effort but could have been better.
Unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me. I think the author had a good idea going, with this book, but it just felt flat to me. I did respect, what the main character was trying to accomplish, but it was marred down by a lot of talk of drugs and violence. Neither of those things bother me, if they are used to explain a story line or scene, but in this book is felt never ending. I also wasn't a fan of every other chapter being set in the past. Maybe it would have made more sense if it was told in some sort of order but instead the back story jumped all over place from one chapter being about something that happened when she was ten to then jumping, to another point, when she was sixteen. To sum it up, I think the book was a valiant effort but could have been better.
July 18, 2018
4 stars Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
This is tale not unlike the Hatfields and McCoys. But in this more contemporary story we have the Springfields and McKennas. Like the Hatfields and McCoys there is no good guys in this story. They reside in the northern hills of California and they run guns, make meth, buy off those they need, and kill those they don't.
Duke McKennas and Carl Springfield love the same woman, who is accidentally killed in a fire. They blame each other for her death. However before she died she gave birth to Harley. Duke McKenna has raised Harley in his image - rough, tough, expert with guns, knows the back woods, and is never left by herself. Duke has built an empire and knows it will be his legacy to Harley. But as she ages she realizes there is more to the feud between the McKennas and Springfields than she has been told. She has seen how violent her father could be. She forces her best friend Will, an orphaned half breed, to leave for college. She knows that Carl Springfield wants to kill both her and her father. But as long as Duke is running his farm, his businesses and the town, nothing will change.
But change does come, and in the most unexpected of ways. Harley takes the reins. But will her plan work and will these outlaw men bow down to a woman in charge?
Rich characters written into a moving and vibrating story line. There is violence, cunning, and tenderness in this story. Written in such a way that you cheer on some of the characters, even though they may not be honest people. Not without twists to the story, this is one that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
This is tale not unlike the Hatfields and McCoys. But in this more contemporary story we have the Springfields and McKennas. Like the Hatfields and McCoys there is no good guys in this story. They reside in the northern hills of California and they run guns, make meth, buy off those they need, and kill those they don't.
Duke McKennas and Carl Springfield love the same woman, who is accidentally killed in a fire. They blame each other for her death. However before she died she gave birth to Harley. Duke McKenna has raised Harley in his image - rough, tough, expert with guns, knows the back woods, and is never left by herself. Duke has built an empire and knows it will be his legacy to Harley. But as she ages she realizes there is more to the feud between the McKennas and Springfields than she has been told. She has seen how violent her father could be. She forces her best friend Will, an orphaned half breed, to leave for college. She knows that Carl Springfield wants to kill both her and her father. But as long as Duke is running his farm, his businesses and the town, nothing will change.
But change does come, and in the most unexpected of ways. Harley takes the reins. But will her plan work and will these outlaw men bow down to a woman in charge?
Rich characters written into a moving and vibrating story line. There is violence, cunning, and tenderness in this story. Written in such a way that you cheer on some of the characters, even though they may not be honest people. Not without twists to the story, this is one that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
June 11, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this arc.
I loved Harley! Fierce, smart, ferocious, manipulative and stubborn! Did I mention smart and fiercely ferocious.
Loved the story. Very fast paced, just enough going back in their individual histories to be able to catch my breath before the next loop on the roller coaster ride. Only one false note for me -- Will. I just thought he might need to get his testosterone level checked....just too good to be true.
If "redneck noir" is your thang -- Barbed Wire Heart is a must read!!
I loved Harley! Fierce, smart, ferocious, manipulative and stubborn! Did I mention smart and fiercely ferocious.
Loved the story. Very fast paced, just enough going back in their individual histories to be able to catch my breath before the next loop on the roller coaster ride. Only one false note for me -- Will. I just thought he might need to get his testosterone level checked....just too good to be true.
If "redneck noir" is your thang -- Barbed Wire Heart is a must read!!
January 11, 2018
PSA: Tess Sharpe's Adult novel BARBED WIRE HEART is a masterfully crafted feminist brutal tale about love and family and the lengths you're willing to go to for those you love. It's dark and bloody and horrifying, but it's real. If you loved her masterpiece FAR FROM YOU and read Adult, consider checking this one out. It's damn good.
Note: There are extensive trigger warnings needed for this book. On Sharpe's twitter she links to a page with all of them listed. Be careful. <3
Note: There are extensive trigger warnings needed for this book. On Sharpe's twitter she links to a page with all of them listed. Be careful. <3
February 14, 2018
Damn. If you need some hardcore feminist rage in action--and who doesn't?--this book is GOLD.
August 29, 2018
Disclaimer: I received this free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Barbed Wire Heart is a feminist adult novel - it is violent, bloody, and brutal and it does come with an excessive list of trigger warnings, which have been listed here.
Barbed Wire Heart is a book about love, loyalty, and family. It is about the pain women face at the hands of men. It is a horrifying read at times. Harley McKenna is 22 years old and she is the daughter of the highly feared Duke McKenna, a crime boss. He raised her up to be all bloody knuckles and sharp shooting. It hasn't been an easy childhood, and her father has not been kind. The two have a complex relationship- she resents him yet loves him. When she was young her mother died at the hands of Carl Springfield and a war has waged on between the two families for years -for as long as Harley can remember. Now, she wants to end that war and take over what her father created and change it into something she wants it to be.
Barbed Wire Heart is a brutal thriller that did lose me a little in the middle, but the last half was suspenseful, gritty, and engaging. Harley is a brilliant and morally ambiguous protagonist who makes you question what it means to be good. She is relentless, fierce, compassionate, kind, resourceful, protective, and smart.
Barbed Wire Heart is a gritty and powerful thriller that I do highly recommend.
Barbed Wire Heart is a feminist adult novel - it is violent, bloody, and brutal and it does come with an excessive list of trigger warnings, which have been listed here.
Barbed Wire Heart is a book about love, loyalty, and family. It is about the pain women face at the hands of men. It is a horrifying read at times. Harley McKenna is 22 years old and she is the daughter of the highly feared Duke McKenna, a crime boss. He raised her up to be all bloody knuckles and sharp shooting. It hasn't been an easy childhood, and her father has not been kind. The two have a complex relationship- she resents him yet loves him. When she was young her mother died at the hands of Carl Springfield and a war has waged on between the two families for years -for as long as Harley can remember. Now, she wants to end that war and take over what her father created and change it into something she wants it to be.
Barbed Wire Heart is a brutal thriller that did lose me a little in the middle, but the last half was suspenseful, gritty, and engaging. Harley is a brilliant and morally ambiguous protagonist who makes you question what it means to be good. She is relentless, fierce, compassionate, kind, resourceful, protective, and smart.
Barbed Wire Heart is a gritty and powerful thriller that I do highly recommend.
February 27, 2018
Finished reading: February 26th 2018
"Sometimes you've got to save people from themselves. Even if they don't want it or know it."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 19, 2021
4,5/5. Excellent roman! Entre le roman noir et le thriller, on y suit Harley, une dure à cuire, d’une profondeur et d’un réalisme très impressionnant. Trop souvent des auteurs portraient une femme forte, une marginale, ou autre, d’une façon si extrême, si caricaturale, qu’elle en devient ridicule et aucunement crédible. Ce n’est pas le cas ici. Sharpe a créé un personnage très intéressant, avec ces forces et ces failles, qu’on découvre dans une narration très habile qui alterne les chapitres entre le présent et le passé, celui-ci ne respectant aucune chronologie, mais bondit d’anecdotes en anecdotes. Ces anecdotes sont pourtant loin d’être anodines, car elles contribuent à ajouter de la profondeur à Harley, mais aussi à ses relations avec les autres personnages, qui la détestent et pourquoi, comment la situation s’est envenimée, qui lui doit des faveurs aussi et pourquoi, etc. La fin n’est pas celle que j’attendais, ni celle que j’aurais voulu, mais bon, elle demeure correcte et bien amenée. Un roman donc bien écrit, assez bien traduit également, une intrigue et une narration prenante, un personnage très attachant et une découverte littéraire très intéressante. Une auteure que je relirai certainement!
November 28, 2017
I read an early manuscript and absolutely loved it. Could not put it down. A feminist Sons of Anarchy - tense, violent and real. But what really carries the book is the relationships. Love in a myriad of forms, some unexpected, some unforgivable. Difficult choices between the future and the past.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
July 6, 2022
I absolutely loved this.
I think I will read everything Tess Sharpe ever writes. I loved the two ya books of hers that I read, but I think I might have loved this debut adult one even more. Her writing style really appeals to me, and she crafts really interesting characters. I loved being in Harley’s headspace. I think she is one of my favorite new characters. Gosh. This is a heavy one that deals with a lot of violence (domestic, sexual, etc) but it is also a story of a woman crafting a place for herself and survivors through all of that and it is just so so good. I’ll def be coming back to this at some point for sure.
I think I will read everything Tess Sharpe ever writes. I loved the two ya books of hers that I read, but I think I might have loved this debut adult one even more. Her writing style really appeals to me, and she crafts really interesting characters. I loved being in Harley’s headspace. I think she is one of my favorite new characters. Gosh. This is a heavy one that deals with a lot of violence (domestic, sexual, etc) but it is also a story of a woman crafting a place for herself and survivors through all of that and it is just so so good. I’ll def be coming back to this at some point for sure.
October 20, 2019
I am obsessed with this book. Once I started it I couldn't put it down and after I finished it, I kept thinking about it. I think this was pitched as "feminist Breaking Bad" and I see that, but it reminded me so, so much of Justified. So if you like Justified or Breaking Bad or just, you know, damn good books, I HIGHLY recommend this one. It was intense and dark and real. Harley is an incredible main character and I loved her from page one. She has such a protective instinct for the women in her county and it was so nice to get a female main character in a story like this. I'm going to be thinking about this one for a long time.
A list of trigger warnings, courtesy of the author (there are a lot):
http://sharpegirl.tumblr.com/post/165...
I was provided a free copy of this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A list of trigger warnings, courtesy of the author (there are a lot):
http://sharpegirl.tumblr.com/post/165...
I was provided a free copy of this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2019
Not always credible, but I enjoyed the story and the character of "Harley Girl" muchly.
April 18, 2018
This novel made me question the way I define "good people" . I don't know that the main charachter, Harley, could be described as typically good. Tess Sharpe brings to life a world that I know nothing about. Her protagonist, Harley is a strong intelligent woman raised by the leader of a major meth ring. Through the use of alternating past and present chapters the reader gains more insite into Harleys motives than than they do into most characters in most novels.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel. It isn't the type of book I normally would pick up. I found myself distracted at work while I wondered how Harley would deal with the competing drug dealers, or how she would protect the Rubies- women in the run from horrible sutuations.
Don't let the idea of a book about a meth ring turn you off. This book was wonderful.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel. It isn't the type of book I normally would pick up. I found myself distracted at work while I wondered how Harley would deal with the competing drug dealers, or how she would protect the Rubies- women in the run from horrible sutuations.
Don't let the idea of a book about a meth ring turn you off. This book was wonderful.
October 20, 2019
5 stars.
Tess Sharpe is absolutely wonderful. RTC.
“Daddy handles me differently because I’m a girl. He’d never admit it, but as proud as he is, he underestimates me. Mo says he can’t help it. That it’s the way fathers are. Sometimes I think it’s just the way men are. It used to annoy me. But then I realized it was a weakness. And I’ve been taught to exploit weaknesses.”
Tess Sharpe is absolutely wonderful. RTC.
April 24, 2018
3.5 stars. Barbed Wire Heart is an entertaining and dark thriller, but overall, I thought it was just okay. I love what Tess Sharpe attempted to do, but it didn’t pack as much as a punch as Far From You did.
Read my full review on my blog!
Read my full review on my blog!
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