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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Jenna was living her fairytale with her boyfriend, and life was great. But one day Colton hit her out of jealousy, causing a domino of terrible events to happen in Jenna’s life.
When the MMA fighter noticed the bruises, he advised her to get out before it was too late. Damian didn’t want her to suffer the abuse of her jealous boyfriend. But leaving Colton might cause more hurt and pain to everyone around her, too. And I’m leaving him. She had to stay home with either her brother or Damian so they could keep an eye on her and keep her safe. Jenna starts to wonder if she’ll ever be free.
Jenna confused and frustrated me. I can understand why she’d stay with Colton, hoping that he’d never hit her again. Having to see how he grew up made me realize why she offered him a second chance, but I could also recognize how he was manipulating her. I got frustrated at Jenna every time she thought that doing something would annoy Colton or that talking to a guy might trigger his violence. How can she not realize that he’s pulling her strings, giving her the illusion that she is the one in control? It was annoying to see her reaction to what Zoey said. She gave the guy who hit her a second chance, but when her friend expressed her concern, for valid reasons, she cut her off.
I couldn’t connect with the characters, not when they seemed to be making every mistake and predictable reaction. At first, I liked how Damian was concerned about Jenna. He knows what it felt like, but it’s better to get out alive while you can. However, they seemed determined to make every mistake they could to ruin their relationship. A lot of the plot was predictable and sometimes the way it’s been written turns something interesting into a matter-of-fact kind of way that takes the emotional tone away.
What I did like is that it showed what a lot of women think when they go through a similar situation. Jenna’s confusion is something many relate to. Her inner struggles made her interesting. The last 20% of the book was a blur of action and suspense along with sadness. I’m curious about the other characters and would probably read the other books in this series. The plot twist at the end was also very interesting to me and unpredictable.
This is book one in the Secrets and the City series, but it can be read as a standalone. It’s a romantic suspense story that shows what abuse can do to a person. But it also shows that love can be powerful. Deadly Illusion has some triggering contents like violence, abuse and death. It’s the story of Jenna and Damian’s journey towards happiness.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
This isn’t what I really expected, I don’t know what I expected. Maybe more romance. Even it wasn’t what I expected, I did thoroughly enjoy this book. Not that the topic was an entertaining one, it was so well written. It was very interesting to see an abusive situation from the inside. And how one could feel compelled to stay in that situation. And just how the situation could escalate. My heart was breaking for her throughout the entire story. Very well written book.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
sad
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No