Governess. Remote location. Isolated conditions. Room and board included, food plentiful, wages adequate. Must speak Polish.
The job title was archaic. The description was unappealing.
The ad had been running online for at least six months before Mouse found it, and she was looking for an excuse to run. She had to get out before Vernita Fox refused to wait any longer, and contacted her sons to let them know Mouse had turned up.
Turned up. Delivered to the local post office, naked and beaten, with “Mama Chandler, Hopi Rez, AZ” scrawled across her belly, stamps stuck wherever there was a strip of unbroken skin.
A doctor had patched up her body, splinted her fingers, but the damage went deeper.
Mouse needed time and distance. She needed a remote location, isolated conditions, and a reason to get up in the morning. She’d return to Salem eventually, keep to the bunker. She could still see Azzie, even if she couldn’t be seen on the base ever again. But she needed time.
She needed to get over what had happened to her in Illinois.
What happened recently, and what happened before.
... This is a reverse harem romance involving a female main character developing relationships with multiple male characters (#whychoose?). It contains graphic sexual content and excessive foul language. No one under 18 should read this book.
Although fourth in a series, you do not have to have read the previous books (although it's helpful!). These are different main characters and a different setting.
This book is much, much darker than previous books in a series about a post-apocalyptic/post-pandemic world, with themes of government conspiracies, chronic disease, and trauma. The following trigger/content warnings are an abbreviated list — the full list can be found on the author's Facebook page. If any of the following topics offend or cause distress, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.
References: physical and sexual assault (both adult and of a minor, including coerced sex); depression, anxiety, and suicide; pandemics and pandemic deaths (in more detail than previous books); incarceration; medical violations (pharmaceutical and physical); human trafficking
Descriptions (sometimes graphic, sometimes implied): grooming (specifically a child) and sexual predation; emotional abuse and neglect of a child; sexual exposure to a minor; physical violence, and dealing with injuries received, including burns and manual strangulation; the aftermath of sexual assault of a child (not the act itself); PTSD and trauma; gun violence and character death.
Sorry, not here to read over 700 pages on Mouse and it's not even a standalone, there's MORE TO COME...
This book needed really, really severe editing. The entire Part 1 of this book details Mouse's upbringing and past trauma (in an explicit nod to Jane Eyre). You can skip it, and I did, but if it's possible for readers to skip an entire segment of your book, that means it did not need to be there. You've already undermined the reader/book connection when you tell me I can skip the first 25% (literally like 200 pages) and it won't affect my reading experience. It makes me wonder what else I can skip.
And honestly? The answer is, 'a lot'. The book is seriously wordy, mostly because of Mouse's extremely rambling internal dialogue. Wading through it got tiring. Especially when we get cringy, immature gems like Mouse laughing about the 'tips' a waiter gets because it's a homonym with penis 'tip'. Dude, seriously...
I ended up DNFing. A shame, because I enjoyed the first two books in the series (focusing on a different character), but this release doesn't work for me.
While this is book 4 in the series, it is also a slight detour as this book focuses on Mouse, her history and what happened when she disappeared, and you don’t have to have read the first 3 books to read this one - although it’s a great series so you should check it out :)
Definitely read the trigger warning section if you have any triggers. The story is written in such a way that you can skip part 1 and still understand what is going on, as the references later on are clear enough that you get the gist of what happened. Also, this is a big book, so you still have a full novel after part 1 :)
In Part 1, we get Mouse’s history and really get to see what formed her - which is heartbreaking and tough to read at times (for real - check the trigger warnings if you have any)
Part 2 picks up with Mouse having accepted a position as a governess to a little girl, but what she thinks is going to be a simple job and way to get away, turns out to be way more, and have more connections to her than she realizes. I love seeing the guys trying to figure out Mouse - especially Tesla. I also loved her relationship with Addie and seeing her from other friendships.
This story hooked me from the beginning and took me through all the feels - from heartbroken to laughter to some super sweet moments to dealing with creepy dolls… Anyways, great addition to the JAK2 series, and can’t wait to see what Mouse and Azzie and their guys are up to next :)
I LOVED this book! I don't want to say I enjoyed it more than Azzie's books so far, but they are all right next to each other at the top of my favorites list. Part one is a little hard to get through, but it's not, in any way, because of the writing. The subject matter is a tough one to read about, especially as it's from the perspective of a child. But the writing for this issue is spot on. The characters completely pull you in and really make you think about things you probably wouldn't normally.
Part two doesn't start a whole lot better because Mouse's situation hasn't improved much. However, once she starts meeting THEM, things start to change. Some things turn brighter, while some remain dark. Mouse goes through so much and while she has bad days, she is still so strong. There will be so many times you'll want to reach in the book and hug her. But there are a LOT of laughs as well.
Mouse is as sassy as ever and her men need to learn how to keep up. Each of her guys help her in a different way. While they can be frustrating at times, all the guys are amazing and exactly what Mouse needs. And once she realizes they all truly want her, another switch is flipped and things start to get a little brighter. It was amazing to see how each character grew and connected. Honestly, it was a journey and it isn't nearly over yet. I can't wait for the next book! Until then, I predict a few (many) rereads in my future.
I’ve been in love with V.E.S Pullen’s story of a young girl who is this post-apocalyptic world's savior, since the beginning. But, really, Azzie became the badass she is because of one woman. Mouse. And I’ve wanted to know Mouse’s story, and find out what happened to her at the end of Azzie’s 3rd book. But, I was not expecting or anticipating getting Mouse’s book. Holy hell, it was everything I could’ve wanted for our silent hero.
Read the author's Trigger Warnings before proceeding
Part 1 of Mouse’s book flashes back to her beyond-shitty childhood. The likes of which would cripple and destroy any other person. Her young adulthood was spent shoving everything down and trying to make something of herself. Reading the hospital with Azzie from Mouse’s POV showed how resilient and genius she is!
Part 2 catches up with Mouse in the aftermath of her disappearance from Salem. She is physically and mentally recovering, making her way to a governess position for a little girl who needs her, as Azzie needed her. The connections Mouse forms with all the key players in this story are *chefs kiss*
The ending and epilogue left me jonesing for my next hit!!
This is Mouse's story in all its dark and bleak beginnings to the resourceful survivor she became. Told in 3 different parts the 1st is her beginning. The neglected and abused girl she was. With only 1 person who really cared for her but ultimately hurt and betrayed her the worst.
The 2nd is Mouse weeks after the brief glimpse we got at the end of book 3. The one trying to keep going forward surrounded by people who she has come to care for.
Finally part 3 the Aftermath of everything we read in the previous parts of her story.
When I found out this was Mouse's story I was initially expecting a typical spinoff book. What happened to her where has she been during her time apart from Azzie. I wasn't expecting this story to turn out the way it did. I'm in awe of her strength and her perseverance. This book does a great job of letting us truly know and understand Mouse better. I've come to truly care about her and the characters introduced in this book. I don't even know at this point what story I want completed first Azzie's or Mouse's.
I am not going to lie this book was hard to get through at times. After finishing it I am still randomly crying about some of it and I believe it will be on my brain for a while. This was a rollercoaster of emotions!! I sobbed and I cackled, sometimes I laughed while I cried. The things I felt during this book surprised me. It was such a beautifully tragic yet heartwarming story. But she THIICCC, at almost 800 pages that I read in 14 hrs… my brain is fried and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I need more of mouse’s story and although I am so excited to read more about Azzie and her guys I am a little sad to wait so much longer for a conclusion for Mouse. That girl deserves a break and her HEA.
~ Enthralled by Mouse: A Tribute to a Brilliant Character ~
Rarely do I find myself compelled to express my opinions, particularly in writing, unless I encounter something truly exceptional—something so remarkable that I feel compelled to share my thoughts with others. Such occasions are few and far between, my friends; exceedingly rare. Therefore, I want to make it clear that in sharing my innermost thoughts for public consumption, I do so with utmost sincerity and conviction, wholeheartedly endorsing this book.
Upon commencing the fourth installment of this series, I must admit to feeling a twinge of disappointment. We had just begun to witness the blossoming relationship between Azzie and her companions, and I was thoroughly engrossed. However, I was not prepared for a narrative that primarily centered around Mouse and her journey. Moreover, the sheer size of this book, equivalent to the combined length of the first three installments, briefly unsettled me. Nonetheless, I persevered, hopeful of returning to what I perceived as the core storyline, focused on the familiar main characters from the previous books. While this expectation was not met, something far more remarkable transpired:
Prepare to fall head-over-heels for the captivating character that is Mouse! In this novel, Ms. Pullen skillfully crafts a narrative propelled by the irresistible charm of its female protagonist.
Mouse is not your typical leading lady; she is a force to be reckoned with. From the moment she graces the pages, her presence is magnetic, drawing readers into her world with her infectious spirit and unwavering resolve. As a strong, independent woman, Mouse embodies resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring those around her with her unwavering determination. What truly sets Mouse apart, however, is her razor-sharp wit and infectious humor, which imbue the story with levity and moments of what can only be described as sheer literary brilliance.
In a genre often saturated with clichés, 'Book of the Found' defies expectations with its authentic portrayal of love, doubt, and self-discovery. Mouse's journey is both compelling and exhilarating as she navigates the complexities of her emotions while remaining true to herself. Her evolution throughout the novel serves as a testament to the power of inner strength and the beauty of embracing one's flaws.
But what truly makes Mouse unforgettable is her ability to captivate readers with her effortless charm and irresistible personality. Whether delivering a clever retort or navigating the highs and lows of love, Mouse commands attention with each turn of the page. With her character so expertly developed, it's no wonder she has quickly become my favorite fictional character of all time.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. With Mouse at the helm, prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey. Applause to V.E.S. Pullen for creating such a phenomenal protagonist and a story that will remain etched in my memory for years to come.
I literally laughed my ass off reading this book but also cried like a baby because, well.. people can be such trash! It’s heartwarming yet funny as hell! I love the rollar coaster of emotions! Sad this is the end for now!! I will be reading the next books in the series for sure!!!
This is book 4 of the Jak2 Cycle and can technically be read as a standalone, but the story is so much richer if you read books 1-3 first. So, not gonna lie- this book, much like Mouse is A LOT, but it's so worth all the emotions and angst. We finally learn what happened to Mouse when she disappeared and also where she really came from. Part 1 is about her early life and it may be triggering for some people. If you feel like it's too much, I would encourage you to skip to Part II. It references what you need to know without too much detail. I laughed, I cried and I had all the feels while reading this. Mouse's story was so much bigger than I could have ever imagined. The dudes were all drool worthy and compelling but Mouse really stole the show (that said if Loki and Tesla were real, I might be tempted to arm wrestle Mouse for them🤣). Honestly this was one of my favorite reads of the year, I mean there are tons of Pinky and the Brain references, a whorehouse, puppies, bikers, and a diabolical girl with a creepy doll..... how could it be less than stellar
I was blown away by this book. There are trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, please take the time to read them.
Although a bit darker than the previous books in the series, it surprised me with how V.E.S. Pullen handled the touchy history and ongoing issues, which was with empathy and care. This was an intense and emotional book.there is so much feeling packed into these pages.
This book is about Mouse, you get some of her past and then it continues on through the timeline of the end of book 3. You get a look into what makes Mouse who she is. Her history, her strengths, her inner thoughts and feelings. You also get to meet her guys, who are in a league of their own, and who I can't wait to see again.
I want to thank V.E.S. Pullen for a fantastic story, even though the wait was long it was so worth it.
I liked Mouse in the first three books of Azzie’s story. I adore her and want to sweep her off of her feet and wife her up after reading this one. Parts of this book are hard to read, especially as a childhood trauma survivor, with too many similarities to Janie’s history. But it was worth it to read, for me, because now I know that I relate to Mouse on many levels and I appreciate having that connection to her character. The author did an fantastic job of laying out the CWs and I felt that she treated Janie’s and Mouse’s traumatic experiences with the gravitas and respect that they deserve, without going into so much detail that it caused issues for readers who have survived similar things. I can’t wait to read more in this series, both from Azzie and Mouse’s perspectives.
I just finished this and I am SCREAMING. I freaking love this series and these characters and the post apocalyptic world. Honestly everything about these books are amazing and I cannot wait to read more about their story.
It was really interesting getting a deeper look into Mouse and her background/ her thought processes and what’s been happening to her since she disappeared. I can honestly say that I have a major crush on Mouse.
I’m a little obsessed with her harem. And I can’t wait to see what happens to Azzie and Mouse in the coming books.
Please don’t ever stop. Your writing is AMAZING and I can’t get enough of these books. I don’t know how many times I’ve re-read all of them. But it’ll def be more lol
…But this book is a diatribe of confused “feminist thinking” …So much repetition it felt like every page was a rehash of what went before .. he (any one of them ..totally interchangeable) upsets her she rants, threatens violence or gets violent .. the ‘biker gang males’ well .. they should be in a seminary not a biker gang Disappointing.. and has now put me off the series and Mouse
"Book of the Found" broke me, built me up again, and then used a sledgehammer to break it all down again. Even though this book can be read on its own, I highly suggest reading the other three books in the series first to really understand the background and especially the ending of this book.
I had this book on my kindle for a while now, but I thought it wise to wait until I knew I had the time to really devour +700 pages and I'm happy I did, because there was no way I could put this book down to go to work all day. Some parts of this book were hard to get through because of how emotional they were, and my heart broke multiple times for Mouse throughout her story. She's not an easy character to love, but this book definitely helped in understanding her better, and I can't wait to find out what will be next for her.
The men... Oh boy, the men. I really loved Tesla and Raz throughout the book, but I'm not sure what to think about either of the five men after how this book ended. I'm sincerely hoping there's a lot of groveling in their future because every single one of them has to suffer for their role in how it all ended.
So no, there is no HEA at the end of this book. There's not even a HFN, and with the author's current health problems I'm not sure when the next book will be out. But still, I'm very happy I took the time to read this book and I will love doing a reread of the entire series once the next book arrives.
Possible spoilers: I struggled with this book because the author made us wait long for the next book in the series and then left the cliffhanger unanswered. On top of that are there many moments where i feel like the author wanted the backstory of mouse to be this way so badly but I feel like it’s out of character for Mouse to leave Azzie for so long, even knowing that Mouse didn’t know a lot of the triggering points that lead to Azzie’s breakout, I would have expected her attention to be more on the military camp and not be ‘can’t deal with that, I’m taking a break’. Especially since she just found out ground breaking knowledge which got her kicked out. It just feels a bit out of character. But I have faith in this author, and I really want to read more, thus 5 stars
This book is about Mouse and I absolutely love that we get to see more of her. Her character is so fun and fiesty in the other books that I really enjoyed seeing that again.
This book isn't sunshine and roses so be prepared and read the TW. With that being said it's written in such a way that you get drawn into Mouses feelings. You feel what she feels. Her pain, confusion, longing, despair, and fear come through like you were there with her. But it also has parts that will make you laugh at loud. Seeing how Mouse processes her trauma and how she adapts to her situation is the best kind of Rollercoaster.
I can't wait to see how Mouse's story continues (as well as Azzie's)
One of the best depictions of the realities of an abusive relationship, how confusing and glorious and awful the experience can be. It’s been said an abusive relationship is both the best and worst relationship one has had due to the love bombing and abuse. This story captures all of it. And that’s just the first few chapters!!! The story goes on from there with Mouse building radiant relationships with magnificent men, each one memorable individuals, not tropes/stereotypes. And you laugh the whole time between a few bouts of tears for Mouse’s intense life experiences. This book is exquisite. The author’s writing is so poignant at times. I highlighted so many brilliant phrases. Ughhh, this book became part of the fabric of my life. Suffice to say, you may find it worth reading to.
This book has so much and takes a different path than the first three.
First off this book is a bit darker than the other books in this series. Check out the Trigger Warnings before jumping in.
Second this book has a different FMC. This is Mouse’s story. We finally find out where she disappeared to and more about her past. We meet her harem, an adorable little girl and Mouse makes new friends.
Third…. I LOVED IT!! I cried for Mouse, I laughed at Mouse, and I was angry for Mouse! You’ll have a lot of feelings!
V.E.S Pullen did a fantastic job on this. Not only the characters but lines you’ll recognize from everywhere.
Fudge, Mouse's background broke me. She endured so much and still became this beautiful soul who made a vaccine to save the world. She could've burned it all to the ground and I would have supported her. Her story is one of a survivor who had to learn to be that way when she was a kid. This story doesn't gloss over what she endured. It covers the lasting trauma that it created that she's been reliving for 14 years. It showed a woman taking back power that was stolen from her and she still found love and shared so much of herself. Mouse will always take care of those that she loves. I need the next book.
First things first, this author is amazing and I recommend you read everything they have ever written. Next- We were warned over and over that this book is darker than her others and that is definitely the truth. Mouse has a lot to work through and the book made your heart wrench over and over again. There are obviously more books coming. This book leaves you in the middle- thank goodness for the epilogue, otherwise the end would have been brutal. I’m lying- it was still brutal, but the epilogue helped. This book will definitely leave you gutted, but somehow I can’t wait for more.
If you haven’t read the first 3 books start there and you won’t regret it but this book was…..:chef kiss:
I laughed. I cried. I wanted to hold Jayne in my arms and tell her none of that was right. And I wanted to high five Mouse for being a freaking rock star goddess.
Literally read this book all in one day and only put it down for walking my dogs and eating. Seriously that was it.
And V.E.S. I loved your ending about making sure people understood that your book DOES share your political beliefs, which I absolutely agree with.
This was a hard book to get through. Not because of the writing because it was damn fantastic. I was also reading random parts to everyone around me because they were so hilarious. Still can't get over all the glitter synonyms! It was hard because it was so real, and you felt Mouse's pain. You felt like you knew that little girl that no one wanted excepted the predators in this world. It was hard because I've been that neglected girl, and it is always hard to read about a character that is written and living your pain. Pullen nailed it, and I appreciate that you made Mouse real.
So I like this story. I appreciate that this author takes her time to make her characters and her stories feel legitimate and you can tell she doesn’t want to just crank out another romance with flat characters and a predictable plot. But I have to give less than five stars because I just can’t recommend something completely when you’re left hanging. I don’t even mean a cliffhanger but just the complete lack of engagement from the author. I read the first three books when they first came out, and they came out pretty rapidly and consistently, and then just nothing. The jacket biographical has a comment about ghosting you on social media- no joke. I had written this story off completely because there was no time line, no updates, like honestly I assumed the author had died from covid or that this was like a one off from someone who changed their mind about being a writer- and the series would go unfinished! Like maybe In 3 years the next book will be ready… but I have a hard time being like “omg read this book” when I know it’s like getting your hopes up, and then dashed.
You know when you read a book and then when you finish you’re sad because it’s finished and you’ll never be able to read it for the first time ever again and then you have to wait for the next one… yeaaaah. I really enjoyed this, even if part 1 was v uncomfortable to read. As always, love the world, plot, great character and relationship development. While initially this felt like a pretty big detour from Azzie’s story and I wasn’t sure where it was going. If you persevere, it all links up and fills in a lot of the blanks and back story which we didn’t have in the first three books. Can’t wait to see where VES takes us next!
I wouldn't call this a perfect book, but I gave it 5 stars anyway because I couldn't put it down. The content warnings at the beginning of the book say you can skip all of Part 1, which I did. I'd recommend you do the same because the book was plenty long and plenty heavy even without Part 1. I wish the author had given a sort of SparkNotes summary at the end of Part 1 for the people encouraged to skip it, or (better yet) had cut Part 1 entirely and sprinkled the needed information in the remaining parts. Oh well. I'll still continue the series. At this point, I'm more interested in continuing Mouse's story than Azzie's.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I absolutely would. I DEVOURED this series. I love dystopian RH and have been working through dozens of similar series. I like the MC in the "protectors of a scary future" role, but this series is by far my favorite so far. I will forever hold this specific series as the standard to all other attempts at a MC apocalypse story. The first 3 books followed the same woman, and this switched it up to her friend. I usually don't continue a series after they've switched up the main character, but I loved the writing so much I thought I'd take the plunge into the 12 hour book. AMAZING! So incredibly excited for the next book to come out ❤️
Book of the Found was easily one of my most anticipated reads for multiple reasons. Not only do I love this world Pullen has built, but also this book follows Mouse! We get into her background, which hurts my heart but only endears me to her more. Then we get to see what's been going on parallel to Azzie's story. Pullen has done a phenomenal job with character and world building. Despite the darker themes and the many tears that fell, I was left feeling hopeful and eager to stay deep in this world with these incredible characters!
Take those trigger warnings at the beginning of book seriously. If you read the other books in the series, your probably fine but they break it down (trigger wise) to try to make sure they aren't upsetting anyone.
That being said, I was sad that we didn't get to continue on with the story. Mouse's story was worth a few uncomfortable patches for me and you can tell the plot still has some life left to continue onto the next book.
I laughed at parts. I cried at parts. I felt the feels. I am invested in her/their story and looking forward to the next book.
I LOVE this series. I am bummed to wait for each one, but then the level of detail, emotional drama, and funny dialogue just make me savor each book. You get so far and then BOOM didn’t see that coming, and then go further and BAM there’s another one. I slow down to read and enjoy the writing. The characters are amazingly brilliant, with life characteristics that are so detailed you will be left feeling like you know each of them. Can’t say this enough, but I HIGHLY recommend!