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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
6/10⭐️
The second half of the book is much better than the first but the writing style isn't one i enjoy.
very interested to see what happens next, specially with that cliff hanger!
The second half of the book is much better than the first but the writing style isn't one i enjoy.
very interested to see what happens next, specially with that cliff hanger!
It kind of felt like a Wattpad read— considering the writing. It was also very lovey-dovey at times. But I’m a sucker for romance series, because you get more detail and time with the characters, and that’s probably what I liked best about it.
I really liked how Alessio never left her, even through thick and thin. Those moments meant a lot to me. And the way she found love when she thought she was unlovable—that part really stuck with me too.
The ending, though, felt a little off. Introducing a new character, Evelyn, felt out of place. There was no real reason to bring her in. Another “I-don’t-know” part was finding out that Victor also liked Aayla at the end. That twist just felt unnecessary—like, bruh.
So overall, the writing and plot weren’t exactly high-quality, but the way the story made me feel—that’s what really mattered to me. That’s probably what I’ll base my rating on.
I don't like the mafia romance trope, but somehow I read it often because there's always sth in their story that appeals to me, and isn't it more about the story and how is it given anyway? Plus, I am optimistic!
BUT unfortunately, although not surprisingly, this story altogether didn't work for me!
FOOTNOTES
*I like Ayla; she is nice and angel-hearted. She did a bit of slut-shaming at some point, but I get her, assuming the life she had and everything. I am so terribly sorry for her; I wish life were fair with you girl.
*Alessio calls Ayla Kitten - Seriously, this animal (of course never an eagle or sth; the animal needs to be tiny, sweet, naive,...) nicknames rarely works with me, ugh please stop!
*With my first glance at Alessio, he gave me this creepy pervert vibe, so It was hard for me to get used to him through the story, but I can say that I started liking him before the book ended.
*I have this one particular issue, before meeting Alessio, Ayla has just run away from serious abuse (psychological, sexual, psychical), and she has just ended up in the house of the strongest/intimidating/terrifying man who was also the enemy of her family, and with their first encounter, he immediately managed to arouse her. I don't mind insta-lust in general, but I would've prepared if it didn't happen here. Assuming her past traumas and all. On the other hand, it actually took time for her to have vaginal intercourse with him (plus how her first time with Alessio was presented), which I actually appreciated!
*SOME AWWS: Ayla sleeping with Alessio's jacket, especially him finding out, was super sweet. Also, Alessio calling Ayla, Angel... Gimme more of that, smooth my heart more like this, PLEASE!
I actually warmed up to their connection through the book. And I want them to have a happy ending!
“It’s me who isn’t worthy of you, Ayla. I have blood on my hands. I have killed so many people that I have lost count. I’m a monster, Ayla. I’m not a good man. But you…you are perfect. You are an angel.”
EYE ROLLS
*My. Mine. My Kitten! And right from the first glimpse. Cause you know, she's this bright new sofa been brought to his house. (How can I not find this guy creepy?)
*I won't touch you till you beg me to. I.Hate.This.Shit!! (And with this promise, there are always these sexual implications Alessio uses on her, right you weren't forcing her for anything, my bad.)
*How Alessio treats women in general... I guess Miss James likes writing about this type. Bogh!
At least this type of man she writes becomes a better man with hs, soo better than nothing.
OVERALL
*I am sorry, but I need to say this. This book is full of every kind of cliches. Like write down every cliche things you can find, and now wrap them up all together and make a book out of it. Voila! Here you have it, Kitten: It is this book. You are welcome.
*In general, I was not too fond of some things in this book, but there were some touches that I actually liked.
*I am a true loyal Lylah reader, so I am terribly sorry that I couldn't like this book more. Still, just for her, I will finish this trilogy + plus, she always knows how to carry out a good mysterious ongoing drama. Hence, I am actually curious about what's next. I hope to like the following books more.
For he had restored my shattered heart and broken soul. Alessio had breathed new life into me.
BUT unfortunately, although not surprisingly, this story altogether didn't work for me!
FOOTNOTES
*I like Ayla; she is nice and angel-hearted. She did a bit of slut-shaming at some point, but I get her, assuming the life she had and everything. I am so terribly sorry for her; I wish life were fair with you girl.
*Alessio calls Ayla Kitten - Seriously, this animal (of course never an eagle or sth; the animal needs to be tiny, sweet, naive,...) nicknames rarely works with me, ugh please stop!
*With my first glance at Alessio, he gave me this creepy pervert vibe, so It was hard for me to get used to him through the story, but I can say that I started liking him before the book ended.
*I have this one particular issue, before meeting Alessio, Ayla has just run away from serious abuse (psychological, sexual, psychical), and she has just ended up in the house of the strongest/intimidating/terrifying man who was also the enemy of her family, and with their first encounter, he immediately managed to arouse her. I don't mind insta-lust in general, but I would've prepared if it didn't happen here. Assuming her past traumas and all. On the other hand, it actually took time for her to have vaginal intercourse with him (plus how her first time with Alessio was presented), which I actually appreciated!
*SOME AWWS: Ayla sleeping with Alessio's jacket, especially him finding out, was super sweet. Also, Alessio calling Ayla, Angel... Gimme more of that, smooth my heart more like this, PLEASE!
I actually warmed up to their connection through the book. And I want them to have a happy ending!
“It’s me who isn’t worthy of you, Ayla. I have blood on my hands. I have killed so many people that I have lost count. I’m a monster, Ayla. I’m not a good man. But you…you are perfect. You are an angel.”
EYE ROLLS
*My. Mine. My Kitten! And right from the first glimpse. Cause you know, she's this bright new sofa been brought to his house. (How can I not find this guy creepy?)
*I won't touch you till you beg me to. I.Hate.This.Shit!! (And with this promise, there are always these sexual implications Alessio uses on her, right you weren't forcing her for anything, my bad.)
*How Alessio treats women in general... I guess Miss James likes writing about this type. Bogh!
At least this type of man she writes becomes a better man with hs, soo better than nothing.
OVERALL
*I am sorry, but I need to say this. This book is full of every kind of cliches. Like write down every cliche things you can find, and now wrap them up all together and make a book out of it. Voila! Here you have it, Kitten: It is this book. You are welcome.
*In general, I was not too fond of some things in this book, but there were some touches that I actually liked.
*I am a true loyal Lylah reader, so I am terribly sorry that I couldn't like this book more. Still, just for her, I will finish this trilogy + plus, she always knows how to carry out a good mysterious ongoing drama. Hence, I am actually curious about what's next. I hope to like the following books more.
For he had restored my shattered heart and broken soul. Alessio had breathed new life into me.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
25% in and gave up.
Poor writing, developing strong relationships out of no where.
Poor writing, developing strong relationships out of no where.
This is a good story trapped behind some intensely grating narrative.
For someone who’s backstory includes being “beaten into submission” on top of claiming she “knows men like him” and is terrified of them... she SURE doesn’t listen well. She legit never listens to anything he says, even things as simple as “pass the bread” or “get out” and “come here”
Building on that.. he gets steamrolled and walked on by all his staff lol. Some great mafia boss..
THEN. Omg. This plot hole kills me. Alessio claims to want to kill the entire Italian family, but doesnt know who the fuckin daughter of the Don is? Are you kidding me??? Her name is friggen Ayla! Not a common name. So he doesn’t know the Dons daughters name OR what she looks like? Good luck on you mission.. idiot.
Really. The only reason I continued this story was because I wanted to know what happens when she gets caught, and I got the audiobook for free. Would not be reading this otherwise.
And the writing—
There comes a point where WE GET IT!! You’re scared of him but he makes your clit hard. Repetitive lines like:
“But even under the layers of fear and anger, my body was responding to him.”
“He scared me, but at the same time, I couldn’t stop my body from responding to his words..”
“...my pulse throbbing in fear—and I hated to admit it, but in anticipation too.”
“...in desire, anticipation, and slight fear.”
“...my body trembled both in fear and in anticipation.”
“Was it apprehension? Or anticipation?”
“stomach started to cramp in fear—maybe in anticipation too.”
“...under all the layers of fear, he intrigued me.”
Just to name a few.
To top it - she’s another dumb girl.
“My body” is said over 200 times.. usually involving it freezing, tensing, trembling, sagging etc. She’s weak asf.
On and on again. It makes shit drag. Without having to read Aylas boring and monotonous inner monologues, I would have rated it at 4 stars.
Also, I’m not sure why Alessio let her keep her identity a secret so long.. especially when he had her in interrogation for 17hrs.
But yeah. Love a good story. I put up with it.
For someone who’s backstory includes being “beaten into submission” on top of claiming she “knows men like him” and is terrified of them... she SURE doesn’t listen well. She legit never listens to anything he says, even things as simple as “pass the bread” or “get out” and “come here”
Building on that.. he gets steamrolled and walked on by all his staff lol. Some great mafia boss..
THEN. Omg. This plot hole kills me. Alessio claims to want to kill the entire Italian family, but doesnt know who the fuckin daughter of the Don is? Are you kidding me??? Her name is friggen Ayla! Not a common name. So he doesn’t know the Dons daughters name OR what she looks like? Good luck on you mission.. idiot.
Really. The only reason I continued this story was because I wanted to know what happens when she gets caught, and I got the audiobook for free. Would not be reading this otherwise.
And the writing—
There comes a point where WE GET IT!! You’re scared of him but he makes your clit hard. Repetitive lines like:
“But even under the layers of fear and anger, my body was responding to him.”
“He scared me, but at the same time, I couldn’t stop my body from responding to his words..”
“...my pulse throbbing in fear—and I hated to admit it, but in anticipation too.”
“...in desire, anticipation, and slight fear.”
“...my body trembled both in fear and in anticipation.”
“Was it apprehension? Or anticipation?”
“stomach started to cramp in fear—maybe in anticipation too.”
“...under all the layers of fear, he intrigued me.”
Just to name a few.
To top it - she’s another dumb girl.
“My body” is said over 200 times.. usually involving it freezing, tensing, trembling, sagging etc. She’s weak asf.
On and on again. It makes shit drag. Without having to read Aylas boring and monotonous inner monologues, I would have rated it at 4 stars.
Also, I’m not sure why Alessio let her keep her identity a secret so long.. especially when he had her in interrogation for 17hrs.
But yeah. Love a good story. I put up with it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book? I'm in love with it.❤️
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated