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mybookishdelights'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
This is a mafia/gang romance. It's the first one I've read of its type so I have no idea if it's good for that particular genre. As far as sexual/romantic tension and angst though... hot damn!
I'm not sure how I feel about romanticizing the mafia. This isn't fantasy and I say that because I forgive a lot more in fantasy than I do in my contemporary fiction. Having said that, I don't think this particular book romanticized it. This was about a romantic relationship that is within the setting of the mafia. It's not really romanticizing the mafia itself. It's violent and brutal, but both characters are a part of this world and understand the rules.
It does have a couple tropes that were predictable, but when you read a lot of romance books it's hard to not predict how things will go and it doesn't affect my enjoyment. But here they are in case they bother you or maybe you like them:
I don't know if I would recommend this if graphic violence bothers you, but it is worth the read for the all that tension. Cause damn.
CAWPILE Score: 8.43 = 4.5 stars
Characters: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 8
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 9
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 9
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual violence and Pregnancy
cozywithnyx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Torture
sofiarmz13'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
4.75
Graphic: Gun violence and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Misogyny, Blood, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug abuse, Vomit, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
evie2947'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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
michellemaas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Second read: 4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*First Read*
I want to premise this review by saying that I really did like this book but there were quite a few things I didn't like so just because I highlight those doesn't mean it's a bad book. In my opinion, you should definitely read the entire series since it is a top-tier mafia romance. Now that that's out of the way I'll jump right into things!
At times Nico and Elena were not good love interests. I get we're working with an edgy mafia romance with non-traditional main characters, but there was an instance where Nico described Elena as someone who "has the body of a porn star" and a scene where Elena she said she "didn't want men's respect (including Nico's)". Other than the fact that I'm pretty sure that scene set women empowerment movements back a couple of decades, both instances just rubbed me the wrong way and I couldn't get through this review without mentioning it.
Also, Elena was just a really annoying protagonist sometimes. I can't put into words why I felt that way but I did. Maybe it was the whole "pick-me" thing she had going on? Maybe it was the fact that she was attracted to and actively pursuing her sister's fiancee (even if it was an arranged marriage that's still not okay). You'll get what I'm saying once you read it.
Other than that, the sexual tension was A-plus (pool scene I'm talking about you). I liked the way the arranged marriage was resolved and the gas station scene was ICONIC (no other word for it). This book was mostly docked for missing some action. This is a mafia romance and neither of our main characters was seriously injured. I don't even think either of them got shot? I want at least one situation where I think one of my main characters is going to die (even if I know they won't).
I am going to end off by repeating that this is still a good book even if I had my gripes with it. Will definitely be rereading it soon!
*Second Read*
I had to bump up the rating after my reread because their sexual tension is EVERYTHING!! This series is by far the best mafia romances I've read (and since first reading it last year, I have read MANY others). I still agree with what I said in my original review, though I'm not nearly as bothered by those issues this time around as I was last. My biggest problem this time was the pacing. The first 60% went by in the blink of an eye, but as soon as Nico and Elena got together it lost a lot of its steam. Would still highly highly recommend if you're looking for a good Dark Romance though!
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Sexism, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Grief
nat1tab's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Minor: Drug abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Vomit, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
charm0nix'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
4.25
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
raeraesbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
rashellyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I think I could read about Nico and Elena's relationship all day for the rest of my entire life. I'm actually angry with myself for not finding this book any sooner. The dynamic between "good girl who is sick of the rules" and "literal king of the most dangerous mafia" is (AGHHHHH) so good! I felt like I was reading one of those good-girl-bad-boy Wattpad books but 100% better.
Like, where is the movie for this book??? It's so hard to cast perfection but damn you might as well TRY!
If it were me instead of Elena, I would kill to be with Nico. I mean, I'm sure she would have too.
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Drug use, Grief, and Sexual harassment
eiraecoslett's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Drug use, Violence, Vomit, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment