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bookboyfriend4life's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Grief, and Gore
Moderate: Physical abuse, Abandonment, Bullying, Child abuse, Gore, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Death of parent, Violence, Drug use, Sexual harassment, Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Death, Stalking, Grief, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Toxic friendship, and Sexual content
_readobituaries's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book had been on my TBR for a minute and I am so glad I finally picked it up! Masked men and murder? I'm there! Especially when its vengeance against an abusive family (#daddyproblems) I need a Ramon so bad! Someone so obsessed.
I will admit.. the disappearing for years was odd. Like, It was Ramon. He was constantly fighting- She should have thought to call the jail FIRST. I'd have thought to call them first before the hospital, honestly.
This is a guilty pleasure book for me- I had to buy the special edition because I loved it so much.
This is a guilty pleasure book for me- I had to buy the special edition because I loved it so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Body horror, Murder, Kidnapping, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Gun violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Bullying
Minor: Chronic illness
penhjay's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Child abuse, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Alcohol, Grief, Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Stalking
Minor: Alcoholism and Alcohol
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
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