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leeguinan's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Torture, Sexual content, Blood, Violence, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Cursing, Death, Gore, and Murder
stxrdust_books's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
I LOVED THIS, AVINA YOU SLAYED.
First of all, the beginning of this book was amazing aka UNHINGED AF, loved it so much, that I was literally giggling and blushing 🤭🤭. When we got to Roman's POV, I was a little confused and thrown off bc the first few chapters are from his POV is of the past but honestly, I loved that it gave us insight into their relationship and that it didn't cut off in the middle of a chapter just to give us insight, I mean yeah, I don't have anything against those but it feels awkward and I always end up confused, anyway I digress, THIS BOOK IS A MASTERPIECE AND I'M IN LOVE WITH ROMAN "MICKEY" RIVIERA.
continuing and making this review even more confusing, AVINA WERE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME WITH ALL THAT ANGST, I FELT LIKE I WAS DYING 😭😭😭.
also, HOLY SHIT THT SPICE WAS SPICING, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I can kinda understand where Bella is coming from, and I really wanted to hug her so damn much and try my punches on Roman.
to finally end this review, I'm quoting Avina, do I love Roman as a fictional boyfriend? HELL YESS, would I be carrying all sorts of self-defence if he was real? ALSO HELL YES.
First of all, the beginning of this book was amazing aka UNHINGED AF, loved it so much, that I was literally giggling and blushing 🤭🤭. When we got to Roman's POV, I was a little confused and thrown off bc the first few chapters are from his POV is of the past but honestly, I loved that it gave us insight into their relationship and that it didn't cut off in the middle of a chapter just to give us insight, I mean yeah, I don't have anything against those but it feels awkward and I always end up confused, anyway I digress, THIS BOOK IS A MASTERPIECE AND I'M IN LOVE WITH ROMAN "MICKEY" RIVIERA.
continuing and making this review even more confusing, AVINA WERE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME WITH ALL THAT ANGST, I FELT LIKE I WAS DYING 😭😭😭.
also, HOLY SHIT THT SPICE WAS SPICING, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I can kinda understand where Bella is coming from, and I really wanted to hug her so damn much and try my punches on Roman.
to finally end this review, I'm quoting Avina, do I love Roman as a fictional boyfriend? HELL YESS, would I be carrying all sorts of self-defence if he was real? ALSO HELL YES.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Blood, Torture, Sexual content, Child abuse, Death of parent, Gore, and Sexual harassment
birbpal's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
⭐️⭐️ Stars
AHHHHHHH! I am LOSING my mind over this book. The FMC Isabella and MMC Roman deserve each other is all I can say. Their combined stupidity and insanity are a match made in hell.🔥
Let me start off first by saying I'm not a typical consumer of dark romances. I usually can't get past a lot of the themes and dubious acts, but something about this book caught my eye. The beginning was actual fire. I consumed the first few chapters like a starved woman; they were so good. I especially liked the chapters focusing on Roman and Isabella's childhood.
But then we get past the initial murdering of Isa's foster family, and everything falls apart.
Roman had SO many opportunities to prove his story to Isabella as to why he disappeared three years ago, but he is a manic narcissistic ass who is dead set on making her love him again in a roundabout, difficult way. The ridiculous thing is that in the end—in the second to last chapter— Isabella finds the letters he wrote to her from prison that finally makes Isabella fully love him again. The letters that ROMAN HAD THE ENTIRE TIME but didn't want to show her FOR SOME REASON‼️
But that's not the most offensive thing Roman does. Roman is legitimately a dumbass along with just being an asshole. His impulsive control is zero, and as a result, he puts Isabella in danger multiple times along with genuinely making her life more miserable.
But Isa isn't any better tbh. She made it her life mission to be one of the most unlikable characters I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. In the beginning, I understood why she was so abrasive and combative. She had ever right to be difficult! But as the story progressed, she continued to be a bitch to Roman even when she saw some proof of his reason why he was forced to leave her (tiny spoiler, he got shot too and there is an actual bullet scar on his chest to show he wasn't lying, which she saw.) Like I said above, it took more than 90% of the book to fully forgive Roman and confess her love to him. I. Want. To. Die.
Final complaints? The book felt like a mashup of tropes, tied loosely together by a plot with bad pacing. AKA, a bad wattpad novel. The characters were unlikable. I loved the chapter when they were children because it was obvious to me how devoted they were to each other. As adults, they were insufferable.
The reason why I gave it so high if a rating was I managed to finish it, so yeah, there's that. I also enjoyed some small parts of their relationship, and Roman was at least entertaining.🤷♀️
AHHHHHHH! I am LOSING my mind over this book. The FMC Isabella and MMC Roman deserve each other is all I can say. Their combined stupidity and insanity are a match made in hell.🔥
Let me start off first by saying I'm not a typical consumer of dark romances. I usually can't get past a lot of the themes and dubious acts, but something about this book caught my eye. The beginning was actual fire. I consumed the first few chapters like a starved woman; they were so good. I especially liked the chapters focusing on Roman and Isabella's childhood.
But then we get past the initial murdering of Isa's foster family, and everything falls apart.
Roman had SO many opportunities to prove his story to Isabella as to why he disappeared three years ago, but he is a manic narcissistic ass who is dead set on making her love him again in a roundabout, difficult way. The ridiculous thing is that in the end—in the second to last chapter— Isabella finds the letters he wrote to her from prison that finally makes Isabella fully love him again. The letters that ROMAN HAD THE ENTIRE TIME but didn't want to show her FOR SOME REASON‼️
But that's not the most offensive thing Roman does. Roman is legitimately a dumbass along with just being an asshole. His impulsive control is zero, and as a result, he puts Isabella in danger multiple times along with genuinely making her life more miserable.
But Isa isn't any better tbh. She made it her life mission to be one of the most unlikable characters I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. In the beginning, I understood why she was so abrasive and combative. She had ever right to be difficult! But as the story progressed, she continued to be a bitch to Roman even when she saw some proof of his reason why he was forced to leave her (tiny spoiler, he got shot too and there is an actual bullet scar on his chest to show he wasn't lying, which she saw.) Like I said above, it took more than 90% of the book to fully forgive Roman and confess her love to him. I. Want. To. Die.
Final complaints? The book felt like a mashup of tropes, tied loosely together by a plot with bad pacing. AKA, a bad wattpad novel. The characters were unlikable. I loved the chapter when they were children because it was obvious to me how devoted they were to each other. As adults, they were insufferable.
The reason why I gave it so high if a rating was I managed to finish it, so yeah, there's that. I also enjoyed some small parts of their relationship, and Roman was at least entertaining.🤷♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Torture, Physical abuse, Stalking, Bullying, Gore, Confinement, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, Abandonment, Mental illness, and Death of parent
colorcrystals's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Murder, Sexual content, Blood, Torture, Confinement, and Cursing
Moderate: Stalking, Bullying, Sexual harassment, Violence, Abandonment, Gun violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
koistyfishy's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 Fuck Roman Riviera Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
There is "obsessive MMC" and then there is Roman Riviera. He is what you think of when you take the psychotic killer instinct from Natural Born Killers and merge him with a slightly concerning overly cute sweetheart...
This was the perfect book to cure my reading "funk", not exactly a slump as I was still managing to read; but everything I was picking up seemed to lack that draw and spark...something was missing and this book had it in droves! It managed to hook me from page one and make me obsessed to see the story of Bella and Mickey unfold.
Bella and Mickey (Or Isabella and Roman) have been friends since they were children, both growing up in the harshness of the foster system, Mickey becomes Bella's saviour, protecting her from bullies, beating up boys who are mean to her and being a general sweetheart by looking out for her needs above his own. It's adorable to see how the friendship of these two blossom into love. Until on Bella's 17th Birthday when she finally kisses Roman, he breaks her heart and disappears for 3 years without a word or trace. Flashforward to now, where Roman has come back for Bella and he isn't afraid to get blood on his hands, serving a deathly judgement to the Foster father and Brother who abused her for the three years he has been gone...and he isn't leaving without Bella in tow.
I really loved how this book was broken up between flashbacks of the past and present, it gave this side to the characters that was innocent, charming and loveable. The characterisation was done well as you could feel the mind-shift change from child to adult, but also see how their personalities were formed from the glimpses into their childhood, in the present scenes.
Bella was definitely my favourite character between the two. She's had a difficult life having to endure the harsh reality of being a girl growing up in the foster system as her mother died too soon and her father didn't want her. The trauma she experiences as she grows up is heartbreaking and sad and is a terrible reminder of the reality that some children really do grow up in an awful foster family that emotionally and physically abuses them. She has never felt safe alone, even in her own home and only finds that solace of safety when in the presence of Mickey. She does tend to be extremely emotional and I did sometimes get a little annoyed at her towards the end as it felt like she was always crying. But I know she's had a hard life so who could really blame her given all that she has gone through and goes through in this book? Let's just say if I were in her shoes I'd probably be a permanent puddle of snotty tears too.
Roman is an interesting character as he takes everything to the extreme. If he loves, he loves A LOT almost to the point of suffocating. If he's angry, God help you that it is not directed at you as he will see red and will most likely beat you to a pulp with his hands until you're dead. If he is sorry, he won't stop apologising and trying to make it right. Being in his head is like being on a constant thrill ride but you never come down. He is obsessive and possessive and probably the most extreme side of that spectrum I have ever seen. Almost to the point that is sickly sweet how much this man loves and adores Bella and will, in this twisted way do anything he can to care for and look out for her. A true epitome of "Touch her you die". His internal narrative is sometimes quite juvenile and naive but given his situation and how he grew up, it almost makes sense for why aspects would seem stunted. This was also in a complete juxtaposition for how much he cares about Bella at times being super mature in ensuring her wellbeing is looked after. I found him an intriguing character but I'd be scared shitless of him if I met him.
The relationship between the two of them has years and years of foundation and the craftsmanship that went into creating this was a pure work of art. The redemption and re-romance that happens when they are older is a whirlwind but exciting. Even though this feels like a weird movie and they might be boring and on the verge of serial killeresque behaviour (well at least Mickey) It was still sweet to see how they found each other again.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was exciting and sexy and gave me that thrill I needed, while still delivering really complex and well-formed characters. This is the second book from Avina St. Graves that I have read but I can say I truly love her writing style and love seeing what unique thing comes out of her head!
Basically...If you love the idea of a man chasing you barefoot through the woods and then punishing you with an orgasm, then this book is definitely for you!
The Summary of Tropes include:
▶ Friends to Lovers
▶ Dual POV
▶ Dual Timelines
▶ Possessive and Obsessive MMC who is so caring and thoughtful
▶ Stalker Romance
▶ Captive/Captor (kinda)
▶ Second Chance Romance
▶ Touch her You die
▶ Bonny and Clyde Vibes
So many thanks to Avina St. Graves (Zian) for the gifted ARC!
All thoughts and feelings in this review are my own
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
There is "obsessive MMC" and then there is Roman Riviera. He is what you think of when you take the psychotic killer instinct from Natural Born Killers and merge him with a slightly concerning overly cute sweetheart...
This was the perfect book to cure my reading "funk", not exactly a slump as I was still managing to read; but everything I was picking up seemed to lack that draw and spark...something was missing and this book had it in droves! It managed to hook me from page one and make me obsessed to see the story of Bella and Mickey unfold.
Bella and Mickey (Or Isabella and Roman) have been friends since they were children, both growing up in the harshness of the foster system, Mickey becomes Bella's saviour, protecting her from bullies, beating up boys who are mean to her and being a general sweetheart by looking out for her needs above his own. It's adorable to see how the friendship of these two blossom into love. Until on Bella's 17th Birthday when she finally kisses Roman, he breaks her heart and disappears for 3 years without a word or trace. Flashforward to now, where Roman has come back for Bella and he isn't afraid to get blood on his hands, serving a deathly judgement to the Foster father and Brother who abused her for the three years he has been gone...and he isn't leaving without Bella in tow.
I really loved how this book was broken up between flashbacks of the past and present, it gave this side to the characters that was innocent, charming and loveable. The characterisation was done well as you could feel the mind-shift change from child to adult, but also see how their personalities were formed from the glimpses into their childhood, in the present scenes.
Bella was definitely my favourite character between the two. She's had a difficult life having to endure the harsh reality of being a girl growing up in the foster system as her mother died too soon and her father didn't want her. The trauma she experiences as she grows up is heartbreaking and sad and is a terrible reminder of the reality that some children really do grow up in an awful foster family that emotionally and physically abuses them. She has never felt safe alone, even in her own home and only finds that solace of safety when in the presence of Mickey. She does tend to be extremely emotional and I did sometimes get a little annoyed at her towards the end as it felt like she was always crying. But I know she's had a hard life so who could really blame her given all that she has gone through and goes through in this book? Let's just say if I were in her shoes I'd probably be a permanent puddle of snotty tears too.
Roman is an interesting character as he takes everything to the extreme. If he loves, he loves A LOT almost to the point of suffocating. If he's angry, God help you that it is not directed at you as he will see red and will most likely beat you to a pulp with his hands until you're dead. If he is sorry, he won't stop apologising and trying to make it right. Being in his head is like being on a constant thrill ride but you never come down. He is obsessive and possessive and probably the most extreme side of that spectrum I have ever seen. Almost to the point that is sickly sweet how much this man loves and adores Bella and will, in this twisted way do anything he can to care for and look out for her. A true epitome of "Touch her you die". His internal narrative is sometimes quite juvenile and naive but given his situation and how he grew up, it almost makes sense for why aspects would seem stunted. This was also in a complete juxtaposition for how much he cares about Bella at times being super mature in ensuring her wellbeing is looked after. I found him an intriguing character but I'd be scared shitless of him if I met him.
The relationship between the two of them has years and years of foundation and the craftsmanship that went into creating this was a pure work of art. The redemption and re-romance that happens when they are older is a whirlwind but exciting. Even though this feels like a weird movie and they might be boring and on the verge of serial killeresque behaviour (well at least Mickey) It was still sweet to see how they found each other again.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was exciting and sexy and gave me that thrill I needed, while still delivering really complex and well-formed characters. This is the second book from Avina St. Graves that I have read but I can say I truly love her writing style and love seeing what unique thing comes out of her head!
Basically...If you love the idea of a man chasing you barefoot through the woods and then punishing you with an orgasm, then this book is definitely for you!
The Summary of Tropes include:
▶ Friends to Lovers
▶ Dual POV
▶ Dual Timelines
▶ Possessive and Obsessive MMC who is so caring and thoughtful
▶ Stalker Romance
▶ Captive/Captor (kinda)
▶ Second Chance Romance
▶ Touch her You die
▶ Bonny and Clyde Vibes
So many thanks to Avina St. Graves (Zian) for the gifted ARC!
All thoughts and feelings in this review are my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Torture, Bullying, Stalking, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Alcohol
r1vana's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Tropes;
-second chance dark romance
-childhood friends to lovers
-stalker
-“always you”
-“ who did you say you”
Isabella aka Bella and Roman aka Mickey are soulmates with very rough childhood. They were both orphans and were basically isolated. Until they met each other and become inseparable.
The easiest thing I've ever done is love her.
If I could do it all again, I would do it the exact same way.
I would pick her. Every time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Blood, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Drug use and Eating disorder
CNC/dubcon; chase/play; Groping;katkinslee's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This gets a 4 purely because Mickey is the cutest golden retriever psycho I've ever read. But Bella was super annoying and I couldn't understand why she would think he would abandon her after knowing him for most of her life. I didn't enjoy the time jumps that much either. But it was pretty good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Kidnapping, Murder, and Torture
bookameme's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- 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
5.0
Crazy Hot & Completely Disturbed
Quote:📖
If you break, I’ll put you back together. If you run, I’m running right behind you. If you burn, I’ll burn with you.
Thoughts: 💡
Holy smokes guys this was hot!! This book opens with bloody torture and mutilation juxtaposed on deep emotional angst and pining. Which is weird, and disturbing, and totally my thing. I’m not sure why I hadn’t heard of Avina before nerdfam passed me this book, but I am glad I know about her now because 🥵🥵🔥.
If you love Shantel Tessier and Tracey Lorraine you’ll love Avina.
Writing Mechanics: ✍️
This book is very well written and compelling. The language is easy to follow and flows well while the characters will pull on your hear strings the gore is extremely graphic.
Fun Bits:
⚜️ Boy Obsessed (OOTP)
⚜️ Masked Men
⚜️ Crazy Angst
⚜️ Opposites Attract
⚜️ Revenge Al Le “Don’t Touch My Girl”
⚜️ Super Hot Smut!!
⚜️ Dark And Broody MMC
⚜️ Somno 💦
⚜️ Grumpy Sunshine
⚜️ Primal Play
Important Note:✨
Standalone contemporary romantic suspense.
Full Content Warning:⚠️
Stalking, dub con, consent-not-consent, primal play, somno, light degradation, forced O, blood play, breeding/ unprotected 🍆, kidnapping, unaliving, graphic violence, gore, t0rture, 💊, SA (groping and verbal), depression, anxiety, prescription medication use, mental illness, eating disorder, (male) 🍆 mutilation, 💉, swearing, speech impediment, poverty, child poverty, child a (psychological, physical, and 🍆)
The opposite of triggers (for some people): Praise, pet names, masks, some groveling, an absolutely obsessive, possessive, over the top MMC
Stats:📊
Spice Scale: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Genre: Dark Romance📕
Tropes: Second Chances, Boy Obsessed, Revenge, Childhood BFFs, Opposites Attract📘
POV: Dual 👩❤️👨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Rape, Pedophilia, Violence, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Stalking, Cursing, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Torture, Gore, Mental illness, and Blood
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