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andreanhsearls92's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
The mind-boggling plot twists and the tangled web of character relationships had me glued to the pages! Every chapter peeled back another layer of suspense that practically screamed, “Don’t you dare put me down!” Watching the protagonist morph from a fragile flower to a participant in the mafia was a rollercoaster of feels—both gut-wrenching and uplifting! The author nailed the gritty vibes of the underworld while sprinkling in those precious moments of kindness and hope. This tale sticks in your brain, leaving you chomping at the bit for the next book!
lauraannamaria's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Wow, this book—just wow. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a story this much. The secrets, the tension, the perfect slow burn… it’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
The plot had me hooked from start to finish with its twists and turns, and the romance? Absolutely captivating. August is the ultimate book boyfriend 🤌🔥 Every aspect of the book just worked for me. There’s nothing I’d change.
The plot had me hooked from start to finish with its twists and turns, and the romance? Absolutely captivating. August is the ultimate book boyfriend 🤌🔥 Every aspect of the book just worked for me. There’s nothing I’d change.
lore_and_books's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Whoa. What a great read. Every time I thought I knew what was coming, I was wrong. The suspense, the twists, the tension, the secrets, the world of crime — it was all so engrossing. The setting is dark, but the romance aspect itself is not particularly dark. Perhaps this is obvious given the setting, but I still think it’s important to mention; there are many CWs. The author makes these all available in the back of the book.
After losing her parents at a young age, Nora is raised by her godfather who is a crime lord. He is controlling and protective, keeping Nora heavily guarded at all times. Enter: the new head of security. From the moment they meet, their magnetic pull to each other is hard to resist, as much as they know they shouldn’t act on it. When Nora and August are forced to flee the city, Nora struggles with knowing who she can trust. Faced with confronting her role in her godfather’s criminal empire, complicated feelings for August, and secrets that crumble everything she’s ever known — can Nora finally leave this life behind?
I really liked the formatting of the book: several chapters in Nora’s POV, and then several in August’s, rather than switching back and forth every chapter. I feel like it really let me see inside each character more and understand their actions and motivations better.
Read if you like:
- forbidden romance (he’s her bodyguard)
- forced proximity
- suspense
- criminal world setting
- touch her and regret it
This is Book 1 of a duet, and does end on a cliffhanger.
After losing her parents at a young age, Nora is raised by her godfather who is a crime lord. He is controlling and protective, keeping Nora heavily guarded at all times. Enter: the new head of security. From the moment they meet, their magnetic pull to each other is hard to resist, as much as they know they shouldn’t act on it. When Nora and August are forced to flee the city, Nora struggles with knowing who she can trust. Faced with confronting her role in her godfather’s criminal empire, complicated feelings for August, and secrets that crumble everything she’s ever known — can Nora finally leave this life behind?
I really liked the formatting of the book: several chapters in Nora’s POV, and then several in August’s, rather than switching back and forth every chapter. I feel like it really let me see inside each character more and understand their actions and motivations better.
Read if you like:
- forbidden romance (he’s her bodyguard)
- forced proximity
- suspense
- criminal world setting
- touch her and regret it
This is Book 1 of a duet, and does end on a cliffhanger.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
cmykbibliophile's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The House of the Wicked
Oona Arlo
Tropes:
🥀 Romantic Suspense
🥀 Protective MMC
🥀 Forbidden Romance
🥀 Forced Proximity
🥀 Crime Family
🥀 Slow Burn
The House of the Wicked, the first in Oona Arlo's The Snake and the Raven series, is a thrilling mix of romantic suspense and crime drama. The story follows Nora, an orphan raised by her crime lord godfather in the violent city of Port Manaus. Sheltered yet complicit in her godfather's illegal operations, Nora reaches a breaking point after a gang-related murder and decides to escape her life of crime.
Standing in her way is August, the family’s mysterious head of security. As they’re forced to flee together, Nora and August's undeniable chemistry complicates everything. He warns her not to trust him, but as danger mounts, their connection deepens. Soon, Nora realizes that the real threat may come from the man who raised her.
Fast-paced and full of tension, The House of the Wicked is a gripping read, blending action, romance, and unexpected twists. Nora’s fight for freedom and the electric dynamic with August make this an addictive start to the series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, I have SO many questions that I need answers to! Wow, what a read!
TWs:
Hate, Discrimination & Oppression
⚠️ Gentrification - mentioned
⚠️Homelessness - mentioned
⚠️ Poverty - mentioned
Sex and Sexual Violence
⚠️ Dubious consent scenarios - on page
⚠️ Attempted rape - on page
⚠️ Sexual harassment - on page
⚠️ Rough sex - on page
⚠️ Dominance and submission dynamics - on page
⚠️ Bondage with improvised restraints - on page
⚠️ Graphic sex - on page
⚠️ Agoraphilia - on page
Mental Health and Suicide
⚠️ Anxiety & anxiety attacks - mentioned
⚠️ Depression - mentioned
⚠️ Disordered weight & body thoughts - mentioned
⚠️ Self-harm - on page
⚠️ Suicidal ideation- on page
⚠️ Alcohol and Drugs
⚠️ Alcohol consumption - mentioned
⚠️ Drug abuse - mentioned
Blood, Injury & Medical
⚠️ Blood & gore depiction - on page
⚠️ Chronic illness & chronic pain - mentioned ⚠️ Dead bodies & body parts - mentioned
⚠️ Physical injuries - on page
Death and Loss
⚠️ Death of a parent & guardian - mentioned and on page
⚠️Grief & loss depiction - mentioned
Violence and Crime
⚠️ Asphyxia, strangulation & suffocation - on page
⚠️ Captivity & confinement - on page
⚠️ Gang violence - on page
⚠️ Gun violence - on page
⚠️ Knife violence - on page
⚠️ Murder & attempted murder - on page
⚠️ Organized crime - on page
⚠️ Physical assault - on page
⚠️ Stalking - mentioned
amarachireadss's review
4.0
I have not read a romantic suspense book in a while and I liked this one. There was so much angst, suspense, secrets, and steam from the romance. This is set in a crime/gang setting as the fmc grew up with her grandfather who was a crime lord. She meets the mmc who is her head of security and they have to leave the city together. This leads to dogging danger, crime stuff, romance, angst, and chemistry. There are twists, turns, and mysteries long with so much happening, definitely read this if you like romantic suspense romance books with action, mystery, and romance. Thank you to Oona Arlo for the arc for an honest review.
lianareadsromantasy's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
Enjoyable story with a lot of darkness, mystery and romantic suspense.
Keywords: Romance - Mystery - Dark pasts - Romantic suspense - Forbidden romance - Bodyguard x princess - Forced proximity - Betrayal - Secrets - Illegal family business
I was given the opportunity to read this as an advanced reader copy, thank you Oona Arlo!
First of all, love the cover!
The way this author put the dual povs together was amazing. The Raven (FMC) and the Snake (MMC). Also loved that the first chapters started with the MMC.
There's a variety of characters and most of them are loveable. The police investigator did annoy the crap out of me. Her confidence and agressions.. she made it too personal and that was a bit too much for me. BUT Nora, August, Dima and Thalia are my favorite characters. I also really adore Yves for his humor.
It always intruiges me to see the characters struggle with a dark/emotional past. Both the FMC and MMC have their own darkness.
I enjoyed the plot, the mystery of the story and the tension between Nora and August kept it interesting enough. The betrayal and the revelations made the story captivating to read.
really REALLY loved the tension and spice between Nora and August! Could only wish for more!
I had one struggle about the plot, the way some people had a certain picture of Nora in their head, like she is the one that decided to be a part of the business while she was given no choice and wanted to get out of it herself. It made me kinda annoyed. Also to be locked up for her entire life, everyone thinking she is a spoiled princess, it didn't make enough sense to me, it was so extreme.
Keywords: Romance - Mystery - Dark pasts - Romantic suspense - Forbidden romance - Bodyguard x princess - Forced proximity - Betrayal - Secrets - Illegal family business
I was given the opportunity to read this as an advanced reader copy, thank you Oona Arlo!
First of all, love the cover!
The way this author put the dual povs together was amazing. The Raven (FMC) and the Snake (MMC). Also loved that the first chapters started with the MMC.
There's a variety of characters and most of them are loveable. The police investigator did annoy the crap out of me. Her confidence and agressions.. she made it too personal and that was a bit too much for me. BUT Nora, August, Dima and Thalia are my favorite characters. I also really adore Yves for his humor.
It always intruiges me to see the characters struggle with a dark/emotional past. Both the FMC and MMC have their own darkness.
I enjoyed the plot, the mystery of the story and the tension between Nora and August kept it interesting enough. The betrayal and the revelations made the story captivating to read.
really REALLY loved the tension and spice between Nora and August! Could only wish for more!
I had one struggle about the plot, the way some people had a certain picture of Nora in their head, like she is the one that decided to be a part of the business while she was given no choice and wanted to get out of it herself. It made me kinda annoyed. Also to be locked up for her entire life, everyone thinking she is a spoiled princess, it didn't make enough sense to me, it was so extreme.