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lifeinthebooklane's review
3.0
Well written and an enjoyable read
Birdie and Ace really called to me in Confess, Sin City Salvation #1, and whilst I still loved them in this story, at times they felt like slightly different people to the ones I'd met before. However we viewed them both through the eyes of others, and their misconceptions were part of the explanation for that. I also thought Birdie and Ace's story overlapped more with Gypsy and Lucian's story, but we didn't get to see any of that part.
Ms Zavarelli is the master of writing broken and damaged characters. Protagonists whose very existence is filled with darkness, whose innocence was ripped away far too early in their life. Both Ace and Birdie will make your heart bleed when you learn of their pain and suffering. A lot of the book deals with this pair trying to understand and accept their OWN feelings, never mind negotiating the minefield of forming a relationship with another damaged soul.
The author writes with such practised ease and in a way that holds your interest. There were a couple of things I would have liked to be different, but these are more along the lines of personal preference than a criticism of the book. Personally I wanted more of the 'suspense' element woven through the central sections of the book. That part of the story felt just a little shoe-horned in at the end, just a touch too rushed and easily resolved in some ways. It would also have stopped that same chunk in the middle starting to feel a little 'ground-hog day'. Ace's blowing hot and cold and Birdie's misunderstanding of the situation was repeated just a few too many times with nothing of substance to dilute it down.
However neither of those made this a 'bad' story. It was wonderful to see these two get their HEA as well as getting some very brief glimpses of Lucian and Gypsy. Bearing in mind that 4 stars on GR does mean 'really liked' this is a book that I am only to happy to recommend to those who love a contemporary romance with troubled characters, a dash of suspense and some darker themes too.
Birdie and Ace really called to me in Confess, Sin City Salvation #1, and whilst I still loved them in this story, at times they felt like slightly different people to the ones I'd met before. However we viewed them both through the eyes of others, and their misconceptions were part of the explanation for that. I also thought Birdie and Ace's story overlapped more with Gypsy and Lucian's story, but we didn't get to see any of that part.
Ms Zavarelli is the master of writing broken and damaged characters. Protagonists whose very existence is filled with darkness, whose innocence was ripped away far too early in their life. Both Ace and Birdie will make your heart bleed when you learn of their pain and suffering. A lot of the book deals with this pair trying to understand and accept their OWN feelings, never mind negotiating the minefield of forming a relationship with another damaged soul.
The author writes with such practised ease and in a way that holds your interest. There were a couple of things I would have liked to be different, but these are more along the lines of personal preference than a criticism of the book. Personally I wanted more of the 'suspense' element woven through the central sections of the book. That part of the story felt just a little shoe-horned in at the end, just a touch too rushed and easily resolved in some ways. It would also have stopped that same chunk in the middle starting to feel a little 'ground-hog day'. Ace's blowing hot and cold and Birdie's misunderstanding of the situation was repeated just a few too many times with nothing of substance to dilute it down.
However neither of those made this a 'bad' story. It was wonderful to see these two get their HEA as well as getting some very brief glimpses of Lucian and Gypsy. Bearing in mind that 4 stars on GR does mean 'really liked' this is a book that I am only to happy to recommend to those who love a contemporary romance with troubled characters, a dash of suspense and some darker themes too.
nadine_booklover's review
4.0
3.5 stars
”She made my head a warzone of emotions. I didn’t like to feel but she made me feel.”
Convict was my first book by this author and I’m deeply impressed by her captivating writing style.
And even though you can read Convict as standalone, I personally felt that I would have had a better connection to the world set-up and the already established characters, if I had read Confess first.
So my recommendation to you is, read Confess first, Convict second.
”He was a God of war. And I was a mere mortal unequipped with the powers to resist such human temptations.”
With Ace and Birdie the author created some beautiful but troubled souls who found their match in each other. Due to their pasts they have a deep understanding for each other and their needs.
Those two take their time to give into their attraction and into temptation, but once they do, they create a force to be reckoned with.
After a slow start and with about 50% into the book it suddenly turned into a page turner, leaving me with the “one more chapter” thought until I finished the book at 2 in the morning.
”She was a sorceress. A witch. Some kind of mythical creature sent to destroy me.”
Convict is an intriguing and thrilling love story of two broken souls that touches many sensitive topics and sucks you into a world of darkness where love is your only light and savior.
”Good or bad, right or wrong, she was the other half of my soul that I’d always known was missing.”
”She made my head a warzone of emotions. I didn’t like to feel but she made me feel.”
Convict was my first book by this author and I’m deeply impressed by her captivating writing style.
And even though you can read Convict as standalone, I personally felt that I would have had a better connection to the world set-up and the already established characters, if I had read Confess first.
So my recommendation to you is, read Confess first, Convict second.
”He was a God of war. And I was a mere mortal unequipped with the powers to resist such human temptations.”
With Ace and Birdie the author created some beautiful but troubled souls who found their match in each other. Due to their pasts they have a deep understanding for each other and their needs.
Those two take their time to give into their attraction and into temptation, but once they do, they create a force to be reckoned with.
After a slow start and with about 50% into the book it suddenly turned into a page turner, leaving me with the “one more chapter” thought until I finished the book at 2 in the morning.
”She was a sorceress. A witch. Some kind of mythical creature sent to destroy me.”
Convict is an intriguing and thrilling love story of two broken souls that touches many sensitive topics and sucks you into a world of darkness where love is your only light and savior.
”Good or bad, right or wrong, she was the other half of my soul that I’d always known was missing.”
annica_reads_books's review
5.0
All the stars for Ace and Birdie!
This story has to be my favorite book by A Zavarelli yet. Ace and Birdie were both incredibly tortured characters, and beautifully broken in their madness together. I loved the plot, the side characters, the setting, the writing - all of it! Everything about this story was perfect for me.
This story has to be my favorite book by A Zavarelli yet. Ace and Birdie were both incredibly tortured characters, and beautifully broken in their madness together. I loved the plot, the side characters, the setting, the writing - all of it! Everything about this story was perfect for me.
erinremen's review
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beckyrendon's review
5.0
Revenge never tasted so sweet
Convict is a must read/listen to all the dark romance lovers out there. I am absolutely going to have to devour Confess because I need a Gypsy fix now but wow!
Convict has it all. Dark romance with all the gooey wonderful feelings and a whole lot of messed up backstory. Birdie and Ace are meant to be and the strugvle to prove it to themselves and others is intense. Full of feelinvs,Convict, will jave you stumbling along in the dark on this epic tale of revenge and love.
Convict is a must read/listen to all the dark romance lovers out there. I am absolutely going to have to devour Confess because I need a Gypsy fix now but wow!
Convict has it all. Dark romance with all the gooey wonderful feelings and a whole lot of messed up backstory. Birdie and Ace are meant to be and the strugvle to prove it to themselves and others is intense. Full of feelinvs,Convict, will jave you stumbling along in the dark on this epic tale of revenge and love.
ameserole's review
3.0
I liked this book a bit more than the previous one.
Convict is the second installment of the Sin City Salvation series. In it, you will meet Ace/Huck and Birdie. Even though we met them in the first book of this series.. we do get to understand/know them a hell of a lot more in this one.
Birdie kind of had her world turned upside down once Ace came back into her life. It sucks that she found out him and Trouble were both lying to her. However, it doesn't hurt because she has feelings for Ace. Likewise for him as well. I was patiently waiting for these two to tango in bed and I didn't have to wait long either.
The romance was so good. Of course with all the sex these two were doing lead to a pregnancy - because what are condoms, birth control, or plan b in books anyways? Non-existent if you ask me. Anyhoo, I was beyond happy that these two were together. It didn't help that they had their fair share of drama to deal with either. Ugh, especially with Birdie sort of facing her past.
Long story short, I really liked the ending and it made me so happy that I got to see everyone being a big happy family. Ace and Birdie were adorable and I was really happy to get to know them more with this book. No idea if there's going to be another one but I would be down to read it.
Convict is the second installment of the Sin City Salvation series. In it, you will meet Ace/Huck and Birdie. Even though we met them in the first book of this series.. we do get to understand/know them a hell of a lot more in this one.
Birdie kind of had her world turned upside down once Ace came back into her life. It sucks that she found out him and Trouble were both lying to her. However, it doesn't hurt because she has feelings for Ace. Likewise for him as well. I was patiently waiting for these two to tango in bed and I didn't have to wait long either.
The romance was so good. Of course with all the sex these two were doing lead to a pregnancy - because what are condoms, birth control, or plan b in books anyways? Non-existent if you ask me. Anyhoo, I was beyond happy that these two were together. It didn't help that they had their fair share of drama to deal with either. Ugh, especially with Birdie sort of facing her past.
Long story short, I really liked the ending and it made me so happy that I got to see everyone being a big happy family. Ace and Birdie were adorable and I was really happy to get to know them more with this book. No idea if there's going to be another one but I would be down to read it.
cierra_mccauley_cierrascorner's review against another edition
5.0
OMG, OMG, OMG!!! I freaking Loved this book! Zavarelli has once again knocked me off my feet with this Amazing book! Convict is book two in her sin city series and it’s to die for! Ace and Birdie have completely overhauled my brain!! I will be in such a book funk over this! I just know it! I cannot stop thinking of it! I love these characters so much!! I thought Lucian and Gypsy were Great, these two are Magnificent! Both Ace and Birdie have a horrible past and they battle their demons everyday, they are alike in so many ways, I seriously couldn’t think of two people more deserving of love than them! They were made for each other, both fully prepared to live a loveless life with out true Intimacy. In eachother, they can heal, packed full of action and suspense! My heat shattered for them over and over, I cried so many tears! Zavarelli aways delivers a powerful story with an emotional punch and this one didn’t disappoint! I read this book in five hours! I just couldn’t put it down! Read it! I guarantee you will love it as much as I do! Convict is hands down the Best Read of 2019! I can’t wait to see what Zavarelli will have in store for us next! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
shedevilreads's review against another edition
5.0
Convict by A. Zavarelli is a dark romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Kelsey Navarro and Aaron Shedlock.
This is the second book in the Sin City Salvation series and each book can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely love this series! A. Zavarelli really knows how to pull you into a story. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the relationship between Birdie and Ace. Their relationship started off rocky but you couldn’t help but root for them.
I can’t for the next book in the series Contempt to be released.
Kelsey and Aaron did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would highly recommend this book if you love dark romances, romantic suspense, age gaps, or enemies to lovers.
This is the second book in the Sin City Salvation series and each book can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely love this series! A. Zavarelli really knows how to pull you into a story. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the relationship between Birdie and Ace. Their relationship started off rocky but you couldn’t help but root for them.
I can’t for the next book in the series Contempt to be released.
Kelsey and Aaron did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would highly recommend this book if you love dark romances, romantic suspense, age gaps, or enemies to lovers.
jennyluvlitbooks's review
4.0
Convict is the second book in this series of a new to me author. Although I haven't had the chance to read the first book, this can pretty much be read as a stand alone. It is contemporary romance, with a dash of MC, age gap, enemies to lovers-ish elements.
The story features Birdie and Ace, both from what I gather was mentioned as the sister and the friend of previous book main characters. Ace strikes me as a silent, brooding type who will be brutally honest if he ever deigns to talk to you. With his dark, tainted past, you could just imagine what it will wrought from a person and turn them into. It certainly skewed his view of being worthy or able to get into a relationship. And the very reason he had doubts of ever pursuing Birdie. Birdie is a tough young woman who was dealt a hard life. Though young, she was forced to grow up fast and mature beyond her age with the dire situation she was in. She had to use her womanly wiles and beauty to con her way and earn money for herself and her sister, and later to pay off someone when she got into Ace's radar.
I would describe their chemistry as live, intense tension. There was so much attraction between them no matter how hard they try to fight it, more so on Ace's side. They were like fire and gasoline, ready to explode. And boy, what an explosion it was, whew! They were both wary of love; Ace with his notion of being incapable of it and Birdie who had a very low opinion of men. Surprising both of them, they've found the kind of love they craved for.
This was a gripping, remarkable read and highly recommend it. Can't wait to read another work from this author. Absolutely loved this!
The story features Birdie and Ace, both from what I gather was mentioned as the sister and the friend of previous book main characters. Ace strikes me as a silent, brooding type who will be brutally honest if he ever deigns to talk to you. With his dark, tainted past, you could just imagine what it will wrought from a person and turn them into. It certainly skewed his view of being worthy or able to get into a relationship. And the very reason he had doubts of ever pursuing Birdie. Birdie is a tough young woman who was dealt a hard life. Though young, she was forced to grow up fast and mature beyond her age with the dire situation she was in. She had to use her womanly wiles and beauty to con her way and earn money for herself and her sister, and later to pay off someone when she got into Ace's radar.
I would describe their chemistry as live, intense tension. There was so much attraction between them no matter how hard they try to fight it, more so on Ace's side. They were like fire and gasoline, ready to explode. And boy, what an explosion it was, whew! They were both wary of love; Ace with his notion of being incapable of it and Birdie who had a very low opinion of men. Surprising both of them, they've found the kind of love they craved for.
This was a gripping, remarkable read and highly recommend it. Can't wait to read another work from this author. Absolutely loved this!
jen286's review
4.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
When I first started reading Convict I was reading and like I swear I know these character already. Birdie and her sister Gypsy and all that. I was so confused as I was like wait...this is a new story so how do I know them already?? Then I felt a bit stupid when I looked it up and it was book two and so of course it seemed familiar as I did meet them in the first book in the series! Book one was Gypsy and Lucian's story and this is the story of her sister Birdie and Ace.
Oh, Birdie and Ace. Two people who think they don't/can't/won't be able to have a relationship because of their past and their ginormous baggage. But there was just something there between them from the very first. Birdie is not used to wanting guys. She sees them as marks and something that she can use to help her try and survive when her past comes calling. People she can use to try and get her freedom. And Ace doesn't think he is capable of loving someone. Of having that relationship because of what happened to him in his youth. Because of his demons and issues he has because of all that. But Birdie calls to him and him to her. She likes him, she wants him, but she doesn't know why. And he wants her though he knows she can't have her.
These two were really sweet together. They don't have a smooth ride, there are a lot of bumps along the way, but they were wonderful to read. With all of their issues and insecurities it can take a little while to work everything out, to figure out how they feel and what is happening between them, but they were fun to read. Ace would do anything to keep Birdie safe and when her past really catches up with her there is nothing he wouldn't do to save her. And her him which was so sweet to see. If you read book one then you know the world already, you know some of the stuff that has happened. If not then jump right on in and fall in love with Birdie and Ace.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
When I first started reading Convict I was reading and like I swear I know these character already. Birdie and her sister Gypsy and all that. I was so confused as I was like wait...this is a new story so how do I know them already?? Then I felt a bit stupid when I looked it up and it was book two and so of course it seemed familiar as I did meet them in the first book in the series! Book one was Gypsy and Lucian's story and this is the story of her sister Birdie and Ace.
Oh, Birdie and Ace. Two people who think they don't/can't/won't be able to have a relationship because of their past and their ginormous baggage. But there was just something there between them from the very first. Birdie is not used to wanting guys. She sees them as marks and something that she can use to help her try and survive when her past comes calling. People she can use to try and get her freedom. And Ace doesn't think he is capable of loving someone. Of having that relationship because of what happened to him in his youth. Because of his demons and issues he has because of all that. But Birdie calls to him and him to her. She likes him, she wants him, but she doesn't know why. And he wants her though he knows she can't have her.
These two were really sweet together. They don't have a smooth ride, there are a lot of bumps along the way, but they were wonderful to read. With all of their issues and insecurities it can take a little while to work everything out, to figure out how they feel and what is happening between them, but they were fun to read. Ace would do anything to keep Birdie safe and when her past really catches up with her there is nothing he wouldn't do to save her. And her him which was so sweet to see. If you read book one then you know the world already, you know some of the stuff that has happened. If not then jump right on in and fall in love with Birdie and Ace.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration