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elspethmigliore's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I have mixed feelings about it for many reasons.
the writing was actually very nice and descriptive. the smut wasn't too much and it wasn't very fade-to-black which can be appreciated, and the storyline was there throughout it all. I also really appreciated how well the relationship between the two main characters went from enemies to lovers in a very smooth way. It was slow burn, but the tension built perfectly. (although at the end it seems like the tension just immediately jumped to love and I was a little confused bc it almost like switched on suddenly with no buildup. the beginning tension contrasted well with the ending but the buildup near the end was not good.) My main issues with this book are about the characters and the general feel of the story.
The presence of misogyny, racism, and homophobia was way too strong for my liking. I understand it's a mafia romance which means "men, men, men!" basically, but the subtle racist and homophobic insults were too much. Also, the whole idea of the "Sweet Abelli" thing being based off of men and how the main character was too sweet and innocent that men couldn't control themselves was really an annoyance.
I got very annoyed with the miscommunication, but then again that's normal for a mafia romance (btw, not a really big fan of mafia romances to begin with). I do think the characters could have brought a little bit more, and I wish we could have seen more of the reactions of everyone to basically the whole story.
Although it wasn't my favorite book, it really was hard to put down. I did enjoy how the story just pulled me in.
would most likely reread it, but not definitely ☑️
Graphic: Blood, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Vomit, Body shaming, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
hollysutto's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Toxic relationship, Blood, Cursing, Drug use, Gun violence, and Violence
amp_912's review
Graphic: Blood, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism
martho9's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.25
Graphic: Death, Hate crime, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Murder, Gun violence, Sexual harassment, Blood, Body shaming, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Rape
rafaelabossoni's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Violence, Gun violence, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Drug use, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Vomit, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Infidelity, and Sexual harassment
charlynlynlyn's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, Gun violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Infidelity
Moderate: Alcohol and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer
arianna_99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Gun violence and Blood
daniellavargas27's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Violence, and Vomit
reisingerovaa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Murder, Gun violence, Sexual content, Vomit, Violence, Death, Cursing, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy and Death of parent
dlrosebyh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
this book was a good read, but there were some plot holes. i didn’t fall in love with nico as much as i expected to. he was still misogynistic somehow and to be honest, he really needs therapy. i also would’ve preferred if he groveled more because i didn’t think he groveled enough. on the other hand, i would’ve wanted to see more of elena’s family and her past— to dig deeper on why her father tried to sell her. i also wish i got to see more of adriana.
overall, it’s a great read, it just has some plot holes. if you want a book that will help you get out of a reading slump, i suggest to read this.
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Drug use, and Sexual harassment