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This was better than 2 stars but 3 stars is pushing it. I wanted to live this but I had a really hard time getting into the story.
Book 3 of the Boston Belles features Aisling Fitzpatrick, the younger sister of Hunter and Cillian from the previous books. She is 27 (though the book begins with a flashback to her at 17) and a doctor. We learn more about the family dynamics of the Fitzpatrick household, which Aisling grew up in, unlike her brothers. The relationship between her and her mother is odd. Throughout the book, she has the voice of her former governess in her head, guiding her actions. There were certain aspects of her character I would have enjoyed if they were explored more, such as her job. (I will remain vague due to spoilers).
As revealed in previous books, we know she has a crush on Sam Brennan (Sailor's adopted brother).
Sam Brennan is feared all over Boston. A Monster (as we are reminded repeatedly throughout the book). He had the potential to be an incredibly interesting character but his personality just didn't interest me. I did enjoy the games he plays with Gerald Fitzpatrick, and that was the most interesting part of the book for me.
The way Aisling is treated by everyone (except her mother đ) is basically as a child. Even her friends seem to baby her. This seems bizarre for a 27 year old DOCTOR and heiress and just didn't really make sense. Then she would interact with Sam and her dignity would disappear. (The constume scene. I cringed). I just didn't feel the chemistry between Aisling and Sam, even by the end.
Also, there is NOTHING sexy about a gynecologist visit and (in my personal opinion) authors should stop trying to make that seem sexy. (I'm joking. Mostly).
Book 3 of the Boston Belles features Aisling Fitzpatrick, the younger sister of Hunter and Cillian from the previous books. She is 27 (though the book begins with a flashback to her at 17) and a doctor. We learn more about the family dynamics of the Fitzpatrick household, which Aisling grew up in, unlike her brothers. The relationship between her and her mother is odd. Throughout the book, she has the voice of her former governess in her head, guiding her actions. There were certain aspects of her character I would have enjoyed if they were explored more, such as her job. (I will remain vague due to spoilers).
As revealed in previous books, we know she has a crush on Sam Brennan (Sailor's adopted brother).
Sam Brennan is feared all over Boston. A Monster (as we are reminded repeatedly throughout the book). He had the potential to be an incredibly interesting character but his personality just didn't interest me. I did enjoy the games he plays with Gerald Fitzpatrick, and that was the most interesting part of the book for me.
The way Aisling is treated by everyone (except her mother đ) is basically as a child. Even her friends seem to baby her. This seems bizarre for a 27 year old DOCTOR and heiress and just didn't really make sense. Then she would interact with Sam and her dignity would disappear. (The constume scene. I cringed). I just didn't feel the chemistry between Aisling and Sam, even by the end.
Also, there is NOTHING sexy about a gynecologist visit and (in my personal opinion) authors should stop trying to make that seem sexy. (I'm joking. Mostly).
The Monster was the book in the Boston Belles series that I was most looking forward to and I was not disappointed by Sam Brennan and Aisling Fitzpatrick. I love that all of the books in this series feel different from one another and The Monsterâs dark, angsty feel was maybe my favorite so far.
Since reading Sparrow, Iâve been curious about Sam Brennan...his backstory is so unique, his upbringing with Troy and Sparrow was unconventional (to say the least) and his job as Bostonâs most sought after fixer is intriguing. Everything about him is mysterious and he keeps so much of himself hidden, even with his family and friends. I was surprised by some of his more emotional decision making in the story - I know it made him finally seem human, but it seemed really out of character. But I really enjoyed this peek into his brain. The way he works, his motivations and his drive are so unique to him and finally getting an opportunity to see things from his POV was really interesting. Sam has always been a monster, but heâs human as well and finally getting to read about the experiences that made him both was a treat.
I was so curious about Aislingâs character - I knew there had to be more underneath the perfect facade she put up in public and even how she interacted with her friends and brothers. For the first half of the book, sheâs that perfect princess of a girl whoâs obsessed with the bad guy and really not all that interesting to me. But, once she finally snaps and grows a spine, I was here for Ash. She stops letting people walk all over her, speaks her mind, makes her opinions known and turns into a character I actually really enjoyed. I just wish we saw this side of Ash a long time ago.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was that Sam and Ash spent time together and peeled back the layers on each other, really getting to know who they truly are as people, not just who they appear to be on the outside. They learn things about each other that no one else understands and they grow to be better versions of themselves with the influence of the other. Their back and forth, push and pull, was unexpected since Ash was such a pushover in the first two books but I ended up really enjoying it. While I didnât love how Sam treated Ash before she started standing up for herself, I feel like she let that be acceptable - she was such a lovesick child until then and was willing to take the scraps that Sam offered. Once Ash became confident in herself, their relationship really began to flourish and become something positive instead of questionable. Together theyâre steamy, insatiable and are alright to let their monsters out. Their love story seemed to develop quickly, but theyâve been circling each other for 10 years, learning more from afar and preparing themselves for the day that they could finally be together.
Like in the other books in this series, I loved getting little bits of information about all of the past couples and their growing families, Emmabelle and Devon, Troy and Sparrow. I love all the little continuations and always get so excited for every little bit.
The Monster was a great addition to the Boston Belles series with an unexpected pairing but a sincere and deep connection. Really looking forward to what LJ Shen has in store for us with The Rake!
Since reading Sparrow, Iâve been curious about Sam Brennan...his backstory is so unique, his upbringing with Troy and Sparrow was unconventional (to say the least) and his job as Bostonâs most sought after fixer is intriguing. Everything about him is mysterious and he keeps so much of himself hidden, even with his family and friends. I was surprised by some of his more emotional decision making in the story - I know it made him finally seem human, but it seemed really out of character. But I really enjoyed this peek into his brain. The way he works, his motivations and his drive are so unique to him and finally getting an opportunity to see things from his POV was really interesting. Sam has always been a monster, but heâs human as well and finally getting to read about the experiences that made him both was a treat.
I was so curious about Aislingâs character - I knew there had to be more underneath the perfect facade she put up in public and even how she interacted with her friends and brothers. For the first half of the book, sheâs that perfect princess of a girl whoâs obsessed with the bad guy and really not all that interesting to me. But, once she finally snaps and grows a spine, I was here for Ash. She stops letting people walk all over her, speaks her mind, makes her opinions known and turns into a character I actually really enjoyed. I just wish we saw this side of Ash a long time ago.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was that Sam and Ash spent time together and peeled back the layers on each other, really getting to know who they truly are as people, not just who they appear to be on the outside. They learn things about each other that no one else understands and they grow to be better versions of themselves with the influence of the other. Their back and forth, push and pull, was unexpected since Ash was such a pushover in the first two books but I ended up really enjoying it. While I didnât love how Sam treated Ash before she started standing up for herself, I feel like she let that be acceptable - she was such a lovesick child until then and was willing to take the scraps that Sam offered. Once Ash became confident in herself, their relationship really began to flourish and become something positive instead of questionable. Together theyâre steamy, insatiable and are alright to let their monsters out. Their love story seemed to develop quickly, but theyâve been circling each other for 10 years, learning more from afar and preparing themselves for the day that they could finally be together.
Like in the other books in this series, I loved getting little bits of information about all of the past couples and their growing families, Emmabelle and Devon, Troy and Sparrow. I love all the little continuations and always get so excited for every little bit.
The Monster was a great addition to the Boston Belles series with an unexpected pairing but a sincere and deep connection. Really looking forward to what LJ Shen has in store for us with The Rake!
4.5 stars
Aisling has been in love/obsessed with Sam since she first met him at an amusement park when she was 17. He took her first kiss, mocked her openly, and treated her like trash. And yet she still craved more.
Ten years on and Aisling still canât get over Sam. Theyâve never been a thing, but their families are close. One night, she and her friend, Emmabelle, get dressed up for Halloween and head to Samâs club. Aisling has been banned from The Badlands since the day it opened, but no one checks her ID that night, and for the first time, sheâs in. She almost tricks Sam into sleeping with her as he doesnât recognise her at first. But Sam would recognise her scent anywhere. He knows he should send her packing for her deception, but he cannot resist temptation and they have sex anyways.
Is this Aislingâs foot in the door to Samâs heart? Or will he use and abuse her as he does with everyone else?
Oh man, Sam is a colossal douche! And yet you canât help but root for him! He is not a good guy. At all. His only redeeming quality really is the way he protects those he loves. Even though he doesnât believe he is capable of love. And Aisling scares him because she makes him feel, but he doesnât understand his feelings and so treats her like scum. Takes what he wants, when he wants, and then humiliates and ridicules her.
But Aisling isnât just the good girl everyone sees. Not even her family know the true depths of her soul, the secrets she keeps. And after being a doormat and taking everything Sam throws at her for far too long, she finally starts to fight back and give as good as she gets.
Additionally, Aislingâs parents are toxic AF, and itâs so frustrating the way she just lets her mother walk all over her too! I get that she was worried about her but honestlyâŚI feel like it took her way too long to stand up for herself on that one.
A classic LJ Shen formula with a jerk/bully hero who is only good to the woman he loves (eventually), and a trampled but ultimately feisty heroine.
Aisling has been in love/obsessed with Sam since she first met him at an amusement park when she was 17. He took her first kiss, mocked her openly, and treated her like trash. And yet she still craved more.
Ten years on and Aisling still canât get over Sam. Theyâve never been a thing, but their families are close. One night, she and her friend, Emmabelle, get dressed up for Halloween and head to Samâs club. Aisling has been banned from The Badlands since the day it opened, but no one checks her ID that night, and for the first time, sheâs in. She almost tricks Sam into sleeping with her as he doesnât recognise her at first. But Sam would recognise her scent anywhere. He knows he should send her packing for her deception, but he cannot resist temptation and they have sex anyways.
Is this Aislingâs foot in the door to Samâs heart? Or will he use and abuse her as he does with everyone else?
Oh man, Sam is a colossal douche! And yet you canât help but root for him! He is not a good guy. At all. His only redeeming quality really is the way he protects those he loves. Even though he doesnât believe he is capable of love. And Aisling scares him because she makes him feel, but he doesnât understand his feelings and so treats her like scum. Takes what he wants, when he wants, and then humiliates and ridicules her.
But Aisling isnât just the good girl everyone sees. Not even her family know the true depths of her soul, the secrets she keeps. And after being a doormat and taking everything Sam throws at her for far too long, she finally starts to fight back and give as good as she gets.
Additionally, Aislingâs parents are toxic AF, and itâs so frustrating the way she just lets her mother walk all over her too! I get that she was worried about her but honestlyâŚI feel like it took her way too long to stand up for herself on that one.
A classic LJ Shen formula with a jerk/bully hero who is only good to the woman he loves (eventually), and a trampled but ultimately feisty heroine.
Good
I liked it, finally a female character that knows what she wants and doesnât run from it, but TOWARDS it.
I liked it, finally a female character that knows what she wants and doesnât run from it, but TOWARDS it.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was soo sooo baddd. Wanted to smack myself in the head soo many times while reading this. I think I did smack myself multiple times asking myself why I ever started this book. I don't know how I managed to actually finish reading this garbage. This book put me in a terribleeee reading slump.
So Aisling met Sam at a carnival when she was 17 where he introduced himself as Monster (urghhh... of all the names you can give urself in the mobster world and u go with monster??? Like for real???) and they kissed. Later she sees him kill a dude when she's leaving. But even then she's drawn to him and obsessed with him. Years later she finds out that "her monster" is Sailor's brother Sam (where again she gets jealous cuz at first she thinks they are dating).
The decade long time jump in the book was really dumb. You learn nothing about the characters or feel any connection to anyyyyy of them whatsoever. Okay so Aisling has barely spoken to Sam for the decade they have known each other cuz he always ignores her and when he does actually talk to her, he belittles her. She knows nothing about him but is still madlyyy in love with him. FOR A DECADE. And keeps throwing herself at him. Had sex with people who were good at it onlyyy so she can learn how to make it good for Sam. Ummm.. okay then.
The woman is seriously down to her final 2 brain cells in the book. Dumbest FMC ever. Sam fucks her and then insults her and then fucks her and insults her again. Aaannndddd again.. its just a never ending cycle. He calls her kiddo right after they fuck. He calls her an easy lay (his least fav kinda lay apparently).. pathetic.. fav tight hole.. says her only purpose in life is to get fucked by him. That she'll be back to him to be used.. abused anyways. Also dangles her off the railing.. Butttt its alright cuz hes only saying all this to keep her away cuz he doesn't wanna acknowledge his "true feelings". Talk about being delusional.
And somehow this same chick is also the only one smart enough to suspect and expose Sam?? (the whole "revenge plot" where Sam is trying to ruin Gerald cuz he thinks he had an affair with his biological mother and got rid of the baby by beating her up). Makes me wonder how dumb Sam is in that case.
Also the biggggg reveal as to why even Aisling is a monster like Sam. Cuz she works in an underground assisted euthanasia clinic. Which in no way are the same...?? but okay...
Sam was not likeable in any damn way let alone be someone you can love for a DECADE. Hes just a self obsessed, misogynistic manwhore and a wannabe mobster. Keeps going on about how he's never gonna love anyone cuz of his mommy issues. Hates all women and treats them like they are sooooo beneath him. He wants to fuck them but doesn't want them to speak to him cuz no
So Aisling met Sam at a carnival when she was 17 where he introduced himself as Monster (urghhh... of all the names you can give urself in the mobster world and u go with monster??? Like for real???) and they kissed. Later she sees him kill a dude when she's leaving. But even then she's drawn to him and obsessed with him. Years later she finds out that "her monster" is Sailor's brother Sam (where again she gets jealous cuz at first she thinks they are dating).
The decade long time jump in the book was really dumb. You learn nothing about the characters or feel any connection to anyyyyy of them whatsoever. Okay so Aisling has barely spoken to Sam for the decade they have known each other cuz he always ignores her and when he does actually talk to her, he belittles her. She knows nothing about him but is still madlyyy in love with him. FOR A DECADE. And keeps throwing herself at him. Had sex with people who were good at it onlyyy so she can learn how to make it good for Sam. Ummm.. okay then.
The woman is seriously down to her final 2 brain cells in the book. Dumbest FMC ever. Sam fucks her and then insults her and then fucks her and insults her again. Aaannndddd again.. its just a never ending cycle. He calls her kiddo right after they fuck. He calls her an easy lay (his least fav kinda lay apparently).. pathetic.. fav tight hole.. says her only purpose in life is to get fucked by him. That she'll be back to him to be used.. abused anyways. Also dangles her off the railing.. Butttt its alright cuz hes only saying all this to keep her away cuz he doesn't wanna acknowledge his "true feelings". Talk about being delusional.
And somehow this same chick is also the only one smart enough to suspect and expose Sam?? (the whole "revenge plot" where Sam is trying to ruin Gerald cuz he thinks he had an affair with his biological mother and got rid of the baby by beating her up). Makes me wonder how dumb Sam is in that case.
Also the biggggg reveal as to why even Aisling is a monster like Sam. Cuz she works in an underground assisted euthanasia clinic. Which in no way are the same...?? but okay...
Sam was not likeable in any damn way let alone be someone you can love for a DECADE. Hes just a self obsessed, misogynistic manwhore and a wannabe mobster. Keeps going on about how he's never gonna love anyone cuz of his mommy issues. Hates all women and treats them like they are sooooo beneath him. He wants to fuck them but doesn't want them to speak to him cuz no
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Iâve said it before and Iâll say it again: I do not like whenLJ Shen writes mafia/mobster sort of books.
I do not think her writing style fits the dark romance theme and I think she lacks a lot of the crime family dynamics that is pretty staple in the mafia subgenre
I do not think her writing style fits the dark romance theme and I think she lacks a lot of the crime family dynamics that is pretty staple in the mafia subgenre
It was touch and go for a bit
Firstly, I wanted to say that I did enjoy this story. The banter between Sam and Ash was all barbed wire and bleeding hearts. Both of them were nicely developed and complex, and they truly did fit together like two puzzle pieces. It was obvious they were meant for each other. Their chemistry was amazing and the demons they fought felt real. It wasnât as spicy as I wouldâve liked, but what was there was nice.
With that said, between this one and the first two, it was my least favorite. I almost gave it three stars, but it got pushed up by about 70-80%.
Ash at first was a bit weak in character. She was beautifully written, but it was just my own personal preference when it comes to characters in romance. I donât like weak females that let the world walk over them. But she eventually found her spine, and I was able to really enjoy the rest of the book.
I am excited to read The Rake and see the last of the Boston Belles get her happy ending.
Firstly, I wanted to say that I did enjoy this story. The banter between Sam and Ash was all barbed wire and bleeding hearts. Both of them were nicely developed and complex, and they truly did fit together like two puzzle pieces. It was obvious they were meant for each other. Their chemistry was amazing and the demons they fought felt real. It wasnât as spicy as I wouldâve liked, but what was there was nice.
With that said, between this one and the first two, it was my least favorite. I almost gave it three stars, but it got pushed up by about 70-80%.
Ash at first was a bit weak in character. She was beautifully written, but it was just my own personal preference when it comes to characters in romance. I donât like weak females that let the world walk over them. But she eventually found her spine, and I was able to really enjoy the rest of the book.
I am excited to read The Rake and see the last of the Boston Belles get her happy ending.