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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
God I love Kate-bait as the fierce FMC I knew she’d be!! Her and Rome held something of a strong connection through the Stonewood series that made we excited for this duet!! The Stonewood trilogy was so beautiful and epically written it pulled me back in that I’m going to reread the tarnished empire series again. I wasn’t a huge fan of Bastian’s book originally but now that I have more background on him maybe I’ll like it more? Not sure
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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:
Yes
I really enjoyed Heart of a Monster by Shain Rose—this is the first book in a duet, and it left me eager for the next installment. The story follows Rome, the feared “monster” of the Italian Mob, and Katie, the woman who somehow breaks through his ruthless exterior.
I connected with Katie’s internal struggle—the tension between her instincts to leave and her heart wanting to stay. Rome’s complexity and the demons he battles made him a fascinating, multi-layered hero.
The dark, emotional tone combined with the intense chemistry between the leads kept me hooked throughout. Although some elements felt familiar in the dark romance genre, the character depth made the story stand out for me.
I’m giving this book 4/5 stars for its emotional intensity, strong writing, and captivating characters. If you enjoy dark, protective romance with a touch of danger, I highly recommend it.
I connected with Katie’s internal struggle—the tension between her instincts to leave and her heart wanting to stay. Rome’s complexity and the demons he battles made him a fascinating, multi-layered hero.
The dark, emotional tone combined with the intense chemistry between the leads kept me hooked throughout. Although some elements felt familiar in the dark romance genre, the character depth made the story stand out for me.
I’m giving this book 4/5 stars for its emotional intensity, strong writing, and captivating characters. If you enjoy dark, protective romance with a touch of danger, I highly recommend it.
dark
tense
medium-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:
Yes
Something was off in the book and I’m not sure what it is. I don’t know if it was the pacing of the book or what but something was missing for me.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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:
Yes
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Racism, Trafficking
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
No I did not read this quickly because it was good, I read it quickly because I was ignoring work and it was a small book
Didn't like the dynamic of the characters. It all felt like "justifying" toxic behaviors.
I really tried to enjoy this one but I simply couldn’t. All I kept thinking the entire book was “poor father, he died to “set her free” and she went a lived a horrible life by her own making” nothing in this book was appealing or good enough. I tried to finish it and lasted until 70% of the book and decided to skimmed the rest of the story but then I discovered is a duet. Yeah is not going to to happen for me hahaha