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r_oy_s's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Nicolas Russo is arrogant, cunning, possessive, shrewd and unhinged. He knows it, owns it proudly and unapologetically. And he's a living, breathing (albeit in pages) temptation for us readers and also for Elena. Wherein Elena Abelli is sweet, poised, thoughtful, loyal and caring - a beautiful caged bird in the Cosa Nostra. But when she meets Nico her perfect facade starts to slip and she comes alive with her dormant feelings bubbling to the surface.
The sexual tension between these two was utterly maddening, my palms were sweating profusely from the anticipation of what's gonna happen when they're alone in the same room. Those hot and heavy stares of Nico shooting towards Elena had me blushing furiosly (tucking my hair behind the ear)! In my opinion the spicy scenes were tasteful not OTT that ruins the vibe of the story.
In addition to the main char cters the ens mble of characters also deserved honorary mention. Elena's Nonna was a hoot. The way she dished her daughter-in-law and the rest of her family from time to time to keep them on their toes had me cackling. I would like to be friends with her, if she lets me, obviously! I also love the dynamic Elena had with her siblings and cousins. There was plenty of family drama, tension, action, heartache and comic relief present that kept the story flowing. In spite of the involvement of feelings from the beginning, the tumultuous evolution of the relationship between Nico and Elena, lacked a good amount of romance. They definitely needed more time together as a couple that was considered to be romantic. Also there was some problematic dialogue and questionable behaviour of them which didn't sit well with me. Regardless of that I really enjoyed reading this book.
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Alcohol, Gun violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual assault, Addiction, and Rape
samflowerv6's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
“I would make this girl want me, need me, love me, because fuck if I was going at it alone.”
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, and Blood
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, Blood, and Torture
Minor: Pregnancy, Vomit, and Addiction
astralastria's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Blood, Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, and Drug use
freirawr's review against another edition
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Mental illness, Blood, Cursing, Gore, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Sexual violence, Addiction, Gun violence, Child abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Alcohol, Violence, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Rape, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
kashiish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
2.25
“he was comfort, security and need, all in one. it had a name. home.”
Graphic: Drug use and Murder
admunro20's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Sexual content, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, and Death
Moderate: Stalking, Sexual assault, Body shaming, Rape, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Pregnancy
culzean's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Vomit, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Misogyny, Murder, Violence, Body horror, Body shaming, Death of parent, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Drug abuse
nyx_999's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
He smoothed an absent hand down his tie. “Do you know what assuming gets you?”
“Killed?” I breathed.
His eyes fell to my lips. “Smart girl.”
I heard a lot about this book and must say I'm far from disappointed.
This man would eat me alive.
But he was so warm, felt so right, it was hard to even care.
Smut wise there are 3½ scenes, compared to the size of the book it really not much but the tension and overall story made up for it. 🌶🌶🌶/5.
I didn’t know what to do with this woman, but I did know I was keeping her. Every time I saw her, my blood burned hotter, searing the word mine into my chest.
I liked the MCs pretty much the whole book even though of course they had their faults. Nico being the biggest Asshole in the Cosa Nostra and Elena having a secret and lying to him. I had trouble sympathizing with her towards the end bcs I personally have trust issues bit she had her reasons. Miscommunication and in general the lack of communication is definitely a big theme her so be prepared.
She smiled. “So honest.”
“Always.”
Be ready for ⬇️
Mafia romance ✔️
Arranged marriage ✔️
"You are mine" kinda mmc ✔️
Trying not to fall in love ✔️
Extremely possessive mmc ✔️
Sheltered fmc ✔️
He was comfort, security, and need, all in one.
It had a name.
Home.
There are so much good quotes I could put in here it's crazy. But I hope the ones I chose will suffice.
“You’re enough for me.”
Enjoy👀💕
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Alcohol, and Death
Minor: Drug use and Death of parent
danyclarice's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was my first book in the 'adult romance' genre and I was surprised at how tame this book was. But, it upheld a slow-burn lustful relationship between Mafia Don Nico and sweet little Elena that blossomed into a love story.
Totally what I was expecting growing up reading fan fictions on Wattpad when I was twelve.
Main character was extremely possessive? Check
controlling but in a 'I care about you' way? Check
dominant? Check
ready to kill anyone who so even touched his woman? Check
Swiftly moving onto the next book which follows two characters in the same universe. The second book follows step-mum to Nico Gianna and FBI agent Christian. I am slightly more excited to follow an older couple with history to their relationship. Maybe character development is too much to ask for adult romances? We shall see.
Spice Rating: 2/5
Moderate: Gun violence, Murder, Drug use, Death, and Violence
Minor: Rape
zayyssa's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Infidelity, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent and Death