Scan barcode
geetisbooked's review against another edition
1.0
trigger warning - sexual assualt/rape.
Spoilers
“you’re not even going to say you won’t rape me”
“no”
“why not”
“not very good at keeping promises”
"Keep opening your mouth, I'll assault you."
This was a bit uncomfortable to read especially with the whole brother-in-law situation at the start. It wasn't the worth the hype. Also, can see why people are saying the author is problematic now that I read her work.
Graphic: Rape, Vomit, and Gun violence
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
natsss_04'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
3.25
Graphic: Pregnancy, Death, Cursing, Gun violence, Murder, and Rape
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Violence, Pregnancy, Gun violence, Grief, Sexual assault, and Rape
booklifeisthelife'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? No
2.0
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Addiction, Pregnancy, Blood, Death, Violence, Vomit, Alcohol, Drug abuse, and Rape
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
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
cloudycity_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexism, Vomit, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: Rape, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
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
deckard_'s review against another edition
Graphic: Racism and Rape
kyeruhh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny and Rape
Minor: Pregnancy