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Iris – Since my mother died, my only goal has been to get custody of my sister Jerrica and keep her safe. I was on my way, too -- getting emancipated by the court so I could get a job and prove I had the means to take responsibility for my little sister. I promised I’d keep her safe and I’d never abandon her. I was with her every day until I came to her group home one morning to find she’d been adopted out overnight. It’s obvious there’s something sinister at work, but no amount of threats and demands will override a closed adoption order. It looks like Jerrica is gone from my life forever, but I’ve got one more trick up my sleeve. Jerrica made friends with a woman from a local motorcycle club. I have no idea if the woman will help, but I have no where else to go. What I didn’t count on is him. Sting. President of Iron Tzars MC. He doesn’t know it yet, but once I get Jerrica back, he's next on my list.

Sting – I wasn’t ready to be president of an MC like Iron Tzars, but my father left me little choice. I grew up in the club. At twenty-nine, most of the men still see me as no more than a kid. But my daddy taught me well. I tolerate no disloyalty or disrespect and always, always put the club first. Then I met Iris. She’s a heap of trouble in a small package and she pings my radar from the moment I first lay eyes on her. I know she’s going to be mine -- which means she has to trust me to take care of her. But Iris trusts no one when it comes to her sister. With both of them in danger, I now have to make a decision. Changing plans will put the club at risk, but doing nothing will risk them both. I’m not willing to take that risk.

Putting a woman above the club is what got my father in trouble. Now I’m in the same boat. Stupid. Especially since Iris has no idea I’ve already claimed her.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2023

126 people are currently reading
155 people want to read

About the author

Marteeka Karland

357 books348 followers
Erotic romance author by night, emergency room tech/clerk by day, Marteeka Karland works really hard to drive everyone in her life completely and totally nuts. She has been creating stories from her warped imagination since she was in the third grade. Her love of writing blossomed throughout her teenage years until it developed into the totally unorthodox and irreverent style her English teachers tried hard to rid her of.
Want to see what’s up with Marteeka? Check out her website at www.marteekakarland.com. Marteeka always welcomes e-mail from her readers. You can reach her at mkarland@gmail.com.

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5 stars
184 (47%)
4 stars
107 (27%)
3 stars
68 (17%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,602 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2023
WOW!!!

What a totally amazing book!!! I just absolutely loved it from beginning to end! I can't wait to read the next book. A definite must read!! Happy Reading!!!! :)
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,321 reviews73 followers
January 13, 2023
What a great story! Iron Tzars is a new MC series and it starts off with one heckuva bang. Sting, Warlock's son, is now the President of the Iron Tzars MC. Going to Black Reign to visit his father, the last thing he expected was Iris.  Iris came to Black Reign for help finding look little sister Jerrica who'd been adopted from a group home under strange circumstances. He knows immediately she's his and intends to make good on it too. Iris is a tough little cookie. She takes no crap and absolutely has a voice and demands to be heard. I'm excited to see where this series goes.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,103 reviews20 followers
June 11, 2023
OH WOW!

Until today I had never come across Marteeka Karland. I there was a new author but the amount of books on good reads says differently.

This book was amazingly awesome! I enjoyed it from start to finish. All the characters aware great interesting, alpha, protective rough around the edges but big ole' teddy bears!

The plot was fast moving and kept you reading on the edge of your seat.
I really liked the lack of club girl drama the angst and drama came from the story itself. There is not alot of steam but what there is-is hot!!!
Profile Image for DivasoftheSerengeti_Lioness.
569 reviews
January 6, 2023
Great start to a new MC series!! Sting is incredible as the president and I can't wait to read more. Iris looks for help when her sister goes missing and she finds a full force of folks to help her. It turns out that kids are being victimized and someone has to put an end to it. I highly recommend this read!! It is full of new beginnings, catching up with old friends and the start to love. Pick it up asap and add this to your collection.
Profile Image for Andrea Fernandez .
4,826 reviews22 followers
September 19, 2023
An absolutely amazing start to a new series. This is an intensely emotional, adrenaline fueled, thrilling and invigorating ride to go on. Sting and Iris found more then either of them were looking for but what they did find was simply perfect for them. I honestly didn’t want this story to end. I enjoyed every single moment of this amazing story. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
1,946 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2023
Great start

What a great start to this new series. Good characters and plot along with some good twists and turns plus action and suspense. The only negative thing is that I wished that it was just a bit longer after the main characters got together. A very enjoyable book. Looking forward to more of this series.
Profile Image for Jacquelyn G.
1,058 reviews56 followers
May 30, 2023
I read the blurb and liked the sound of this story. After reading the book I can tell you this... there is NOT much more substance to this book than the blurb.

**We're introduced to Iris in the beginning of the book, and she is presented as young... not just physically (emancipated at 17) she comes across as mentally young as well.
-Her sister Jerrica is supposedly adopted out overnight and Iris goes to the MC for help because she knows this is shady and they just did a charity for children so she knows of them.
-we know their mother died several years earlier and even then Iris was taking care of Jerrica.... we are given no more reasons for this. Where is their father? Was their mother an addict? Was she sick? How did she die?

**We are then introduced to Sting. (never found out why he's named that) who is visiting Black Reign MC to see his father for advice (Warlock)
-we are told he is taking over for his father because there was some huge drama within the MC.
--don't know WHAT actually happened.
--don't know HOW any of it came out or was delt with
--don't know who Hope is.. it's never explained other than Sting already knows her
--Hope was married to his father secretly by his grandmother.. no reason as to why? or to how someone old enough to have a 29 year old grandchild has that much pull

*A new chapter starts and Jerrica has been missing 3 months.. apparently Iris has been staying with the MC... but nothing of her life is ever explained. What about her job? Apartment? What does she do there all day?

Then suddenly the 29 year old Sting, is "claiming" this 17 year old GIRL as his woman... it was VERY ICK!! Not because of the age difference (because I enjoy those stories) but because what little we get to know of her (which was VERY little.. what are her hobbies? was she a good student? where does she work? etc) is child-like. They both even say they had NEVER EVEN SPOKEN in the 3 months they both stayed at the MC.

The claiming went down like this... he realized he wanted her, she snuck out to save her sister, he goes after her. Finds her before anything can happen, kisses her silly (HER VERY FIRST KISS), he does his thing to the bad guys, takes her back to the MC. They rally to go after her sister, they get her and return to the MC to get her settled. He TELLS HER he is claiming her for forever, then says he's gonna make her feel good just short of sex. As he's going down on her it dawns on him she might not be legal (because emancipation does NOT negate age of consent).. she informs him she turned 18 two days ago. He's like thank god, then pops her cherry.
The NEXT MORNING he wakes her up going down on her and they trade "I love you's".

By the time Jerrica is safe, the author starts writing Iris with lust.. suddenly she's moaning and mewling when close to Sting, purring when she speaks to him and acts way older than the rest of the book.

I am severely disappointed I actually spent money on this nonsense!!
I was not a fan of this book and I will never read the rest.
This should be classified as a short story or an outline, not even a novella; because there was a lot going on but not enough figured out.

It had promise but fell worse than flat for me.
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,521 reviews218 followers
December 31, 2023
Because of my fascination with stories featuring motorcycle clubs, the synopsis for Sting captured my attention. It is the first book in the Iron Tzars MC series and is written by new to me author Marteeka Karland.

The premise was good, however the story suffered the fate that normally comes with novellas. Insufficient information with regard to the characters, which led to a disconnect with them. The heroine, Iris, is seeking to adopt her younger sister, but she needed to wait until she was eighteen as ordered by the court. Then her sister was adopted under suspicious circumstances three months before Iris's eighteenth birthday. She turned to the MC for help in finding her sister. This led to her encounter and subsequent relationship with Sting, the president of the Iron Tzars.

Personally, I found the relationship lacking in authenticity. They knew nothing about each other prior to the start of their relationship. The romance did not get time to develop, as the story was dedicated to the search and rescue of Iris's sister. The thing that shocked me the most was that Sting did not seek to determine Iris's age before getting involved with her.

Readers are aware that the girls' mother died and since the Iris has been taking care of her sister. However, information regarding how their mom died was not provided, and it would seem they had no other relatives. Not much information was provided about Sting. We know he is 29, and he became President after his father was expelled from the club.

The events occurred over a three-month period, but the delivery gave the impression that it all occurred in one day.

Sting had potential, but due to the above-mentioned issues, it failed to live up to my expectations.

Umi Markkanen did an excellent job with her narration. She breathed life into the story and the characters. I would definitely listed to her again.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,739 reviews211 followers
January 6, 2024
Ides of March

Marteeka Karland Iron Tzars MC bk 01 Sting

Aidan "Sting" Wagner cracks me up! The man is all kinds of alpha, but he manages to go about so many things with Iris backwards. As in barely acknowledging her existence until it's about to hit the fan. Him laying claim to her the way he does is ridiculous and comical.

There's a big human trafficking of young kids storyline. That said, most of the events occur offscreen.

There are a lot of references to several other clubs and organizations. I'm on book 10 in the Bones MC series, so I had familiarity with the various organizations and some of the referenced characters from them. I don't think you need to read any other books before this, but having an idea of what and who is being referenced will improve your enjoyment.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is the versatile Umi Markkanen. This is one of her best narrations that I've heard.

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

H = 29; h = 18
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,130 reviews
November 17, 2023
This is a quick, somewhat angsty instalove read that features a teenager and an MC member and it’s better than that might sound … it packs missing kids, trafficking, plenty of drama, some good, old-fashioned tension, ‘found family’ vibes and some interesting displays of loyalty.

Perfect to bring along on a workout or two, as it doesn’t require undivided attention, despite having lots of fun elements—and it’s quick and to the point.

Hits a lot of popular tropes:

⊹ Very dominant / control-y / possessive alpha MMC.
⊹ Age gap (~11 years).
⊹ Instalove
⊹ Bikers, club life.
⊹ Fresh start vibes.
⊹ Trafficking / crimes against minors. (More talked about than shown, doesn’t get dark, other than conceptually.)
⊹ A bit of action.
⊹ V!rg!n heroine.

Overall: 3.5 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Audio:
The audio is fantastic! Great narrator who performed well, and has a lovely voice and overall sound quality is perfect. 5 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
3,749 reviews122 followers
September 9, 2025
Story review:
MMC/FMC- Sting and Iris
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- MC Romance
Heat level- 🌋🌋🌋this review is brought to you by the letter D, the letter C, and the letter P, which stand for the words used to name the parts.
Series? Y
Safety: Y. There’s no cheating, no S. Violence, no sharing, no OM/OW drama, no cliffhanger. HEA.
Triggers- Child trafficking, The Biker’s Trifecta (Language, Violence, Erotic Content).
Tropes- Damsel in Distress, Instalove (him), Slow Burn to Steam, Adorable Moppet, Found Family, Virgin Heroine.
What I liked- the HEA was very satisfying. And once the zexytime started, it was hawt.
What I didn’t- could have used more steam sooner, but then, I’m all about the steam.
Narration Review: Umi, as always, is flawless.
I was fortunate enough to receive a free review copy and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
1,923 reviews
February 17, 2024
How can you go wrong with bikers? They are the most fierce, most loyal, and the most protective possessive set of being in the universe.

Here we have Iris, at 18, trying to get custody of her sister, and be sufficient in life when life throws a curve beachball - her sisterbwas gone from the group home. So she goes where she thinks she can get help..come to find out she gains not only help but more protectors, family and daughters all by loving and accepting Sting.

Marteeka is more than talented in her biker world and how they are linked through shared ideologies and backgrounds.

Umi Markkanen is excellent as the narrator. I love how her voice doesn't really
change but the octaves she manages for each character is distinctive and specific.....Luuuuuvvvv it!!!!
3,198 reviews47 followers
October 16, 2023
Wonderful narration from Umi Markkanen

Amazing start to a new series. We meet Iris and Sting.
Iris is working very hard to get custody of my sister Jerrica and keep her safe. One day she goes visit her sister at group home to find she been adopted out overnight. Jerrica goes to find the local MC that helps those in need. It is there she meets Sting the President of Iron Tzars MC.
Sting is new the job of being president of an MC like Iron Tzars. His father left as he put a woman first, something Sting refuses to do. The club help and support Iris find her sister and in the process help others.

This book is an age gap, hot steam, action packed book
Profile Image for CrazyGal609.
1,862 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2023
This actually blew my expectations, surprised by a few things, especially when my heart was in my throat at least a couple of times!!! Definitely going to read the series😁 Realistic topic, glad for the outcomes to such awful things…
Can I say… I absolutely love Brick’s & Chief’s “techniques”🩸🩸🩸

❤️‍🔥I love it when a man feels like this: “Her light touch feathered over me, and I had to resist the urge to rub against her hands like a contented cat”❤️‍🔥

AND THEN he says: “This first time is about me getting to know your body. I’m gonna pet and taste you. Gonna find out what you like. You’re gonna sit back and let me play. Get me?” 😱🤯🤯😈💋…Yes Please!!!😊
Profile Image for Gazelle.
839 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2023
Iris is doing everything she can to get custody of her sister but when she goes back to see her sister and they said she was adopted overnight, she knew it was more going on. Iris turns to the only people who might be able to help a local MC. Sting is visiting his father for counsel after taking over his MC when Iris demands entry to ask for help. Sting and some of his men come into assist the local MC. I felt like there was a lot I didn't know because I haven't read any of the other series but enjoyed this one and you do get a complete story of Sting/Iris.
Profile Image for Molly G.
265 reviews20 followers
October 14, 2023
A quick and enjoyable MC romance! I love the characters especially Sting. The pace was good for the length. It felt like a complete story and a satisfying ending. This is an age gap romance so keep that in mind going in.

The audiobook narrator was great! Umi Markkanen did a great job. At one point I forgot there was only one narrator.


I received a free review copy from Story Origin in exchange for my honest review.
30 reviews
October 21, 2023
What a great start to the Iron Tzars MC series. Sting has big shoes to fill taking over the presidency from his father, Warlock. But he does it and does it perfectly. Iris comes in like a whirlwind, making Sting want to help her anyway he can. She is a strong woman willing to do whatever it takes to save her sister. I love Iris for Sting. She is a strong, intelligent woman who will be able to stand by Sting and make a perfect ol’ lady.
Profile Image for LuAnn.
65 reviews
September 25, 2023
Ok

This book is more like a short story/novella.
While it was good, it wasn't like some of the other MC books I've read. It didn't give many details, what happened for Sting to take over his father's club and his dad move in to another club? How did Sting get his name?
Usually there is more to the story line when it comes to the first book of an MC series.
626 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2023
Great start to a new series. Marteeka Karland’s previous MC series have all been excellent.
Sting in now club President. Iris will do anything to rescue her sister. These two are meant for each other. The story can be a bit of an emotional ride. I am looking forward to book 2.
Narration was well done. I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.
6 reviews
March 25, 2024
first time read for this author

It was a good story. Not too hard core for an MC storyline. Wished there was more interaction between the H and h. Was a bit strange for them both to go from no interaction/conversation, to ready to commit together for a lifetime. Overall a good read
Profile Image for Dusty Shirley.
952 reviews11 followers
March 19, 2025
Yes please more

I picked this up because I am heading to a signing and saw these and I love MC romance and wanted to see if it was something worth investing in physical copies. Well I will definitely be pre-ordering as many as I can afford after reading this one. Can't wait for more.
890 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the narrator. I have been on a MC series kick lately and have enjoyed the various ones I have listened to. This is no exception. Sting and Iris are amazing and I love how protective he is of her and how he claims her as his. I look forward to more in this series.
Profile Image for Angelina.
339 reviews
June 8, 2024
I struggled with this one. I'm glad it was a short book. Maybe that was part of the problem though, lots of things going on, but done in very little time. It was as edgy, gritty sometimes dark like I usually like my MC books. It was ok for a quick read, dunno if I will continue the series.
5 reviews
November 5, 2024
I love this book. The only thing I wish is that there was no info say for example did Sting and Iris live happy ever after or had more kids Because when I read books like this I like to know if they lived happy any kids. Things like that
567 reviews
October 14, 2023
Good book. Characters well defined and storyline strong. The outcome was more that satisfactory.
Profile Image for Erin Trump.
2,268 reviews28 followers
November 12, 2023
This was a short but intense story, it focused more on the rescue and not as much on the romance. It was brutal and sweet & tender
Profile Image for Ann.
1,941 reviews32 followers
December 9, 2023
This M/C book deals with protecting girls from human trafficking. This book is fast paced and action-packed with elements of violence. I liked the characters. The narrator did a good job.
Profile Image for Kelly.
661 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2023
Cute.. Should have finished the book out .. Saves her sister then what ignore her
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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