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caitybell's review against another edition
3.0
This was the first book I had ever read by W. Winters. I absolutely love mafia romances, as I love my romances in general with a kick of darkness to them and MR always gives me what I want. Merciless is the first in a series, a captive romance with dubious consent, so heavy TW with this one. Carter, the H, is rather ruthless and--dare I make the obvious pun--merciless. His taking of Aria, the h, and subsequent breaking of her is tense, intriguing, and, at moments, heartwrenching.
Merciless dragged a little, the plot stretched to afford enough material for future books. As it is, captive romances are harder to sell simply because of the dubiousness of the relationship. Carter very much bends Aria into someone that does not match her inner thoughts, making her decisions and actions a bit hard to root for. But this is why we read dark romance, for the craziness of the two MCs falling for each other! But in this one, I am still a little skeptical. I have no doubt their development will grow and solidify in the coming books.
Merciless dragged a little, the plot stretched to afford enough material for future books. As it is, captive romances are harder to sell simply because of the dubiousness of the relationship. Carter very much bends Aria into someone that does not match her inner thoughts, making her decisions and actions a bit hard to root for. But this is why we read dark romance, for the craziness of the two MCs falling for each other! But in this one, I am still a little skeptical. I have no doubt their development will grow and solidify in the coming books.
noelle1998's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
ja1903's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
throughtheryver's review against another edition
5.0
I would sell my soul to read this book for the first time again.
firesage999's review against another edition
dark
tense
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
2.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Sexual content
em_mcd's review against another edition
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
3.0
pattyfgd's review against another edition
5.0
Willow Winters starts off this series with a dark and twisty story of revenge. Carter Cross is given Aria, the daughter of his nemesis family to start a war. As soon as he sees her, he takes ownership...she is his. Aria is a strong woman, but will she be able to see through Carter and his mind games? This first installment of the series is everything you want in a mafia romantic suspense. It makes you wonder if Carter is a man worth loving, I know even at the end, I am still wondering his angle and if I should like him! Aria proves to be strong willed, yet at the mercy of a man she is attracted to. In her situation, she proves to be a good opponent, keeping Carter mesmerized by her, challenged by her and in the end, we still aren't sure where things will go. I love the intrigue Winters infuses in this, the interesting brothers we are introduced to and the rival families the Cross's are doing business with. This series has piqued my interest and I can't wait to see where Carter and Aria will end up.
The narration team of Savannah Peachwood and Jacob Morgan is perfect. I love Savannah, she portrays Aria perfectly. The inflection of fear, anger and unwanted passion is so evident in her voice, she makes you be right there with Aria. I honestly think dark romance is the genre Jacob Morgan should always narrate. He can growl the fear right into his voice and the commanding tone he gives to Carter is exactly what I would expect with a character like his. Looking forward to Heartless!
The narration team of Savannah Peachwood and Jacob Morgan is perfect. I love Savannah, she portrays Aria perfectly. The inflection of fear, anger and unwanted passion is so evident in her voice, she makes you be right there with Aria. I honestly think dark romance is the genre Jacob Morgan should always narrate. He can growl the fear right into his voice and the commanding tone he gives to Carter is exactly what I would expect with a character like his. Looking forward to Heartless!
dandelionss_dream's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
if the beast had no redeeming qualities and belle was completely suffering from Stockholm syndrome
Graphic: Murder, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
pixiepages's review against another edition
5.0
This isn’t what I expected. It's so much better. This is my first Willow Winters book and OMG she did not disappoint. From page one I couldn’t put it down…it was definitely a drug I couldn’t stop. Aria is kidnapped and given to Carter Cross. Aria is a Talvery, the daughter of a very powerful crime lord. Carter Cross is no better. Aria being kidnapped begins a war between the two crime lords. Carter is alpha. He is alluring, sexy, and definitely possessive. He is definitely touch her and you die vibes, which makes him so perfect. The only thing is that he is broken beyond repair and so is Aria. I binged this in less than a few hours and I couldn't get enough.
Spicy: 4
Spicy: 4