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melissaslibraryy's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Grief, Self harm, Sexual assault, Bullying, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Vomit, Classism, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Blood, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Body horror, Cursing, and Drug use
mar_racing_fan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
myloveoflit's review
4.0
I had so many thoughts about this book. I thought it was going to be a good spicy Aladdin and Cinderella story reimagined. I was wrong. It was more dark and captivating than I expected and gripped me whole heartedly.
My girl Ellie, our own Cinderella of sorts, just can’t catch a break. She was dealt a shitty hand at life and she certainly needs more self love. For some reason she is still holding on to her childhood best friend, Jasmine, even though they are completely different people now.
Jasmine is, in my opinion, in no way a decent person. She is self-centered and spews word vomit without consideration of anyone’s feelings. I really couldn’t stand her. I hated that Ellie wouldn’t stand up for herself.
Jafar, Jasmine’s husband and who Ellie can’t help but lust over, is mostly broody and hard edged towards Ellie. Only she doesn’t know that he purposely tries to push Ellie away for other reasons. But it comes to a point when Jafar can’t control his urges anymore.
This story took a very unexpected turn down a dark road. I’m not mad at it. I was just caught off guard. There was certainly more depth and darkness to this story. It took me a moment to carry on because I broke for Ellie. But Jafar was there to pick up the pieces. He was incredibly tender and thoughtful, until reality set in.
It leaves off on a cliffhanger and I am left with needing to know how this will all play out. I don’t like to list the TWs for fear of spoiling the plot, but PLEASE check them in the author’s note if you need to before reading. Sarah Bale is a new to me author and I am so glad that I can add her to my top authors list.
My girl Ellie, our own Cinderella of sorts, just can’t catch a break. She was dealt a shitty hand at life and she certainly needs more self love. For some reason she is still holding on to her childhood best friend, Jasmine, even though they are completely different people now.
Jasmine is, in my opinion, in no way a decent person. She is self-centered and spews word vomit without consideration of anyone’s feelings. I really couldn’t stand her. I hated that Ellie wouldn’t stand up for herself.
Jafar, Jasmine’s husband and who Ellie can’t help but lust over, is mostly broody and hard edged towards Ellie. Only she doesn’t know that he purposely tries to push Ellie away for other reasons. But it comes to a point when Jafar can’t control his urges anymore.
This story took a very unexpected turn down a dark road. I’m not mad at it. I was just caught off guard. There was certainly more depth and darkness to this story. It took me a moment to carry on because I broke for Ellie. But Jafar was there to pick up the pieces. He was incredibly tender and thoughtful, until reality set in.
It leaves off on a cliffhanger and I am left with needing to know how this will all play out. I don’t like to list the TWs for fear of spoiling the plot, but PLEASE check them in the author’s note if you need to before reading. Sarah Bale is a new to me author and I am so glad that I can add her to my top authors list.
romancebibliophile's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cierrachey33's review
1.0
1 out of 5 stars
I'm not sure where to even begin with this review. "Savage Sins" had the potential to be a thrilling and captivating read, but it fell short on almost every level. Here are some of the major problems I encountered:
1. Unlikable Characters: The main characters, Elena and Luca, were both incredibly shallow and predictable. Their motivations were unclear and their actions often illogical. I never felt invested in their relationship or their individual journeys.
2. Cliched Plot: The story was filled with overused tropes and clichés from the mafia romance genre. Everything felt predictable and formulaic, leaving no room for surprise or originality.
3. Lack of Depth: The author did little to develop the world or the characters beyond surface level. The writing was often bland and devoid of any real emotion or passion.
4. Unrealistic Portrayal of Abuse: The book romanticized and normalized toxic and abusive behavior. This was deeply disturbing and frankly, dangerous.
5. Unresolved Conflicts: The story ended with many unresolved plotlines and cliffhangers. This felt like a cheap attempt to force readers to continue with the series, leaving me feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Overall, "Savage Sins" was a complete waste of my time. I would not recommend this book to anyone who values well-developed characters, an engaging plot, or a healthy portrayal of relationships.
Here are some specific examples of the book's flaws:
Elena's character was inconsistent and frustrating. She was portrayed as both strong and independent, yet she often made illogical decisions and relied on Luca to save her.
Luca's possessiveness and controlling behavior was never addressed as problematic, instead it was presented as a sign of his "love" for Elena.
The violence and brutality in the book was often gratuitous and unnecessary.
The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many unanswered questions.
If you are looking for a well-written and thought-provoking romance, I urge you to steer clear of "Savage Sins." There are countless other books out there that offer a much more rewarding reading experience.
I'm not sure where to even begin with this review. "Savage Sins" had the potential to be a thrilling and captivating read, but it fell short on almost every level. Here are some of the major problems I encountered:
1. Unlikable Characters: The main characters, Elena and Luca, were both incredibly shallow and predictable. Their motivations were unclear and their actions often illogical. I never felt invested in their relationship or their individual journeys.
2. Cliched Plot: The story was filled with overused tropes and clichés from the mafia romance genre. Everything felt predictable and formulaic, leaving no room for surprise or originality.
3. Lack of Depth: The author did little to develop the world or the characters beyond surface level. The writing was often bland and devoid of any real emotion or passion.
4. Unrealistic Portrayal of Abuse: The book romanticized and normalized toxic and abusive behavior. This was deeply disturbing and frankly, dangerous.
5. Unresolved Conflicts: The story ended with many unresolved plotlines and cliffhangers. This felt like a cheap attempt to force readers to continue with the series, leaving me feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Overall, "Savage Sins" was a complete waste of my time. I would not recommend this book to anyone who values well-developed characters, an engaging plot, or a healthy portrayal of relationships.
Here are some specific examples of the book's flaws:
Elena's character was inconsistent and frustrating. She was portrayed as both strong and independent, yet she often made illogical decisions and relied on Luca to save her.
Luca's possessiveness and controlling behavior was never addressed as problematic, instead it was presented as a sign of his "love" for Elena.
The violence and brutality in the book was often gratuitous and unnecessary.
The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many unanswered questions.
If you are looking for a well-written and thought-provoking romance, I urge you to steer clear of "Savage Sins." There are countless other books out there that offer a much more rewarding reading experience.
nobookbehind's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
4.5★/5
3🌶/5
*Reread*
Ellie & Jafar's chemistry oozed so strongly throughout the pages, showing how perfect they r for each other. Catched in past in wrong time&wrong place, ended up separately. Jafar married her best friend, remained in loveless marriage just by obligation. Their love is forbidden, filled with pain and loneliness. Both denying themselves even bit of happiness, regardless how badly they crave it & need it. Because crash from coming down from their high will be sth that will changed irrevocably.
As good as at the first time.
3🌶/5
*Reread*
Ellie & Jafar's chemistry oozed so strongly throughout the pages, showing how perfect they r for each other. Catched in past in wrong time&wrong place, ended up separately. Jafar married her best friend, remained in loveless marriage just by obligation. Their love is forbidden, filled with pain and loneliness. Both denying themselves even bit of happiness, regardless how badly they crave it & need it. Because crash from coming down from their high will be sth that will changed irrevocably.
As good as at the first time.
beeeltz's review
dark
emotional
fast-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
3.5