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supremefangirl57's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
milyz13's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
popsiclescafe's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.5
kirillsashas's review against another edition
4.0
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Even If It Hurts by Sam Mariano is one of the rare books that took me by surprise. Is it because of the plot? Nope. Is it because of the characters? Yes. If you wonder who, then it is none other than the male lead himself. Let me tell you, for the first 60% of the book, the author got me fooled. I thought Dare is just a typical popular rich bad boy but I was wrong. He was more than that. This guy is a literal psychopath without even me realizing.
In the beginning of the book, the author already warned the readers that it has the element of a dangerous toxic relationship. As a dark romance lover myself, I ate that type of story. However, when I read the book, I just didn't find it dark enough. However, when I finally reached the second half of the story, that was the moment it was slowly revealed what a manipulative and dangerous Dare truly is. He was so unhinged that he would do anything to make sure that Aubrey will forever be his.
Despite their toxic relationship, I still enjoy Aubrey and Dare's story. There are some sweet and wholesome moments between them which gave me the buzz. Their smuts are pretty hot and I just love the chemistry that these two shared.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I do recommend those who love dark romance to read this book. It was actually refreshing to read something that is slightly different that what I usually read. Even so, this book is a hit or miss. Some might love it, and some might not especially since it has a very triggering element that others couldn't ignore.
Even If It Hurts by Sam Mariano is one of the rare books that took me by surprise. Is it because of the plot? Nope. Is it because of the characters? Yes. If you wonder who, then it is none other than the male lead himself. Let me tell you, for the first 60% of the book, the author got me fooled. I thought Dare is just a typical popular rich bad boy but I was wrong. He was more than that. This guy is a literal psychopath without even me realizing.
In the beginning of the book, the author already warned the readers that it has the element of a dangerous toxic relationship. As a dark romance lover myself, I ate that type of story. However, when I read the book, I just didn't find it dark enough. However, when I finally reached the second half of the story, that was the moment it was slowly revealed what a manipulative and dangerous Dare truly is. He was so unhinged that he would do anything to make sure that Aubrey will forever be his.
Despite their toxic relationship, I still enjoy Aubrey and Dare's story. There are some sweet and wholesome moments between them which gave me the buzz. Their smuts are pretty hot and I just love the chemistry that these two shared.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I do recommend those who love dark romance to read this book. It was actually refreshing to read something that is slightly different that what I usually read. Even so, this book is a hit or miss. Some might love it, and some might not especially since it has a very triggering element that others couldn't ignore.
katlyn7's review against another edition
2.0
Dare has very little redeeming qualities even by the need of the book. I honestly was hoping it ended with her killing him
rihoward's review against another edition
4.0
Good Lord...
It is hard for me to lose my ability to use words, however, that is what this author did in this story. There were so many red flags. Did that stop me? Oh, HELL NO. I might need therapy to explain why I found Dare so delicious. He was better than ice cream on a hot summer day. If I met him in real life, or I knew anyone that was possibly seeing him/interested in him, I would be screaming to RUN, and Run, The Flash, fast because he is his own level of cray cray. For those readers out there thinking he can't be worse than Carter or Mateo... prepare yourself. This cat is in a league all his own.
I don't want to give spoilers away, and would actually have a hard time even preparing someone for this book. It was intense. It was different, it exceeded my expectations. This is the start of something new and I am here for it. I had hopes of diving back into the Morelli world and was leary about the start of this. I need not have been because it was the best from the Filthy Elites anthology.
It is hard for me to lose my ability to use words, however, that is what this author did in this story. There were so many red flags. Did that stop me? Oh, HELL NO. I might need therapy to explain why I found Dare so delicious. He was better than ice cream on a hot summer day. If I met him in real life, or I knew anyone that was possibly seeing him/interested in him, I would be screaming to RUN, and Run, The Flash, fast because he is his own level of cray cray. For those readers out there thinking he can't be worse than Carter or Mateo... prepare yourself. This cat is in a league all his own.
I don't want to give spoilers away, and would actually have a hard time even preparing someone for this book. It was intense. It was different, it exceeded my expectations. This is the start of something new and I am here for it. I had hopes of diving back into the Morelli world and was leary about the start of this. I need not have been because it was the best from the Filthy Elites anthology.
kater07's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
juiceyb79's review against another edition
4.0
~ re-read 5/10/23 increasing rating to 4.5 crazy Dare stars ~
3.5 - 3.75
3.5 - 3.75
goldfishii1771's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0