21 Tattoos


Fiction - Visionary
210 Pages
Reviewed on 03/24/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In 21 Tattoos by Monica L Broussard, renowned plastic surgeon Derek Hollinger lives a lavish life in Los Angeles, complete with wealth, success, and opulent possessions. Content in his solitude, he dismisses the need for companionship. However, his existence takes a drastic turn when an oracular woman crosses his path, and he subsequently wakes up adorned with tattoos. With the assistance of a once-spurned young nurse, Derek embarks on a desperate journey for truth, confronting his inner demons. The significance of the tattoos is a mystery, whether a divine message, a test of faith, or a consequence of his hubris, and his quest for redemption becomes paramount. Faced with potential ruin, Derek races against time to decipher their meaning and rid himself of them before irreparable catastrophe consumes him.

Monica L. Broussard's 21 Tattoos has a fantastic premise and is perhaps one of the most original novels I have come across in quite some time. What we are ultimately reading is a story on the concept of spiritual warfare and a return to the fold of living according to God's testament. Derek has lost his way from the days when his grandmother read him bedtime Bible stories. I love how Broussard delivers ethical dilemmas and moral choices, echoing Christian principles of discernment and responsibility. Derek's encounter with a shaman and subsequent discussions underscore the complexities of belief systems and personal accountability. Derek's transformation is adeptly portrayed through his relationship with Kendal, offering themes of forgiveness and redemption. Broussard's well-crafted writing skillfully works itself into an engrossing tale that resonates long after the final page. Very highly recommended.

K.C. Finn

Penned by author Monica Broussard, 21 Tattoos is a work of fiction in the visionary, metaphysical, and psychological drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its dark themes. This gripping psychological thriller explores the depths of human fears and the consequences of one's actions. The story follows Derek Hollinger, a successful plastic surgeon, whose life takes a shocking turn when he wakes up covered in 21 tattoos, each representing his darkest fears and secrets. We follow an intense journey of transformation from a detached and arrogant man to one grappling with his own demons.

Author Monica Broussard has crafted a thought-provoking and fascinating premise for this dark work, keeping readers wondering about the significance of these tattoos and their connection to Derek's past as the plot unfolds around them. As the mystery is unveiled with some really excellent pacing, the story delves into themes of redemption, faith, and the consequences of one's actions. It raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of fate and whether one can truly escape their past whilst also offering strong character development and intriguing read-between-the-lines style narrative clues. What results is a page-turner with highly descriptive visuals and an emotional resonance that sinks deep into your core. It's a story that lingers in your mind, prompting you to reflect on the choices we make and the secrets we keep. Overall, 21 Tattoos is highly recommended as a thrilling and emotionally resonant tale that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense and mystery.

Alma Boucher

In 21 Tattoos, a Christian novel by Monica L. Broussard, Derek Hollinger was a well-known plastic surgeon who led a life of luxury but had no friends since he was so passionate about his work and career. Derek was recognized as the greatest plastic surgeon at an awards event, but, before the ceremony, he pushed a strange-looking woman by mistake when she shook a rattle in his face. Derek had to leave before getting the award since he fell ill after this incident. After nearly two days of sleep, Derek woke up with tattoos all over his body. He did not even recognize himself in the mirror, and now the tattoos might damage his reputation as a plastic surgeon. Derek had no idea what the tattoos meant, but he did recognize the three men's faces that were inked on his back.

Monica L. Broussard's 21 Tattoos is a fascinating tale of the transformational influence of tattoos. The strange woman's intriguing and mysterious behavior at the beginning had me hooked right away. Reading this book was an exhilarating experience filled with the supernatural and many aspects of tattoos from various viewpoints. The characters were well-developed, and I had a lot to ponder over because their innermost feelings and challenges were highlighted. Derek discovered that, with the correct perspective, his trauma might have a positive outcome but he needed to adjust his thinking to conquer his challenges. The story is well-written, and the information about tattoos is informative and interesting. This story was much more than I expected.

Tracy Traynor

Monica Broussard's 21 Tattoos is a remarkable novel. Dr. Derek Hollinger is a plastic surgeon with every luxury money can buy. He’s focused and dedicated to his job. What does it matter if he’s abrupt with people and doesn’t say thank you? On the evening of receiving an award, Derek encounters an old shaman woman who literally turns his world upside-down. Waking up after being ill for thirty-six hours, Derek finds his entire body covered in tattoos. So shocking is the transformation that no one recognizes him except for his assistant, Kendal. Taking her boss home, Kendal begins the journey of healing with him. What do the tattoos mean? Why have they appeared? And can Derek learn to accept them?

Monica Broussard's 21 Tattoos is a gripping, character-driven, supernatural tale that delves into the subconscious of a broken man. Wanting to know if the shaman cursed or blessed him kept me turning the pages. Derek's journey into self-discovery is brilliantly told. The magical appearance of the tattoos is used to reveal elements of his past and current life that he must deal with if he wants to be whole. The story focuses on past traumas and the clear need to release resentment, anger, and hostility and to find a way to forgive both others and himself. The slow-burn romance between Derek and Kendal was heartwarming. The characters are very realistic and superbly defined. I cared about them and longed for Derek to find value in life beyond his career. Are the tattoos a projection of his subconscious or a hex from an old shaman woman? Brilliant storytelling.

Rolanda Lyles

In 21 Tattoos by Monica L. Broussard, Derek Hollinger is a famous plastic surgeon who seems to have it all. He has all the money he could want, owning a successful business. He has luxury cars and a nice penthouse near the beach. On the other hand, Derek doesn't have any friends or lovers. Why would a man who has everything be so alone? Who cares if he has no friends or lovers? He doesn’t need anyone. One evening, Derek's life is changed forever when he bumps into a mysterious old lady. He wakes up and finds himself covered entirely with tattoos, but these aren't normal tattoos. They tell the story of his life and everything he has tried to suppress and hide from his past. He doesn't know how the tattoos appeared on his body, so how can he get rid of them? Will Derek be able to return to his old life, or is there something to be learned from the tattoos?

Monica L. Broussard's 21 Tattoos is a drama-filled thriller that is sure to inspire and encourage you. Derek was a successful businessman, but he ignored his past and his experiences, trauma, and pain. He spent his life burying his pain and ignoring it, but with the tattoos, he was forced to face his past, fears, and pain. We all have a past, and things that help shape us as individuals for our future. Some of our experiences may be traumatic and painful, but only when you deal with the past are you able to heal and truly move on. A story that is sure to both inspire you and tug your heartstrings, 21 Tattoos is a must-read.

Frank Mutuma

Monica L. Broussard's 21 Tattoos is the story of Derek Hollinger. Dr. Hollinger was living a normal life until one event as a teenager changed his life. He was thoroughly beaten up by a gang and had to undergo multiple surgeries to save his life. During this ordeal, he loses his grandmother, but he also gains a mentor. Dr. Cassey is a talented plastic surgeon who shows a keen interest in Hollinger's recovery and takes him in afterward. Hollinger eventually becomes a renowned plastic surgeon, like his mentor. One day, as Dr. Hollinger is going to receive the most prestigious award of the year, he has a weird encounter with a shaman that leaves his body covered in strange tattoos. With the help of Kendal, his nurse and office manager, will he be able to overcome his challenges? Will the tattoos disappear as magically as they had appeared?

Monica L. Broussard's 21 Tattoos is wonderfully written with a unique plot line that covers a wide range of issues such as culture, religion, and professionalism. I found the book to be thought-provoking, and I loved the social issues discussed, like unemployment and homelessness. It got me thinking about how such things affect crime rates and the well-being of society. I also loved the angle used to explore religion. The author is subtle in addressing such themes, which makes the book highly effective in passing on the intended message without alienating anyone. The narration was on point, and the characters were well-developed, which added to the overall appeal. I look forward to reading something else by this author.