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smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
5.0
I’m officially obsessed with this book. It’s my new favorite mafia romance. Kage is the perfect mafia man. The spice is out of this world!!
livyjoyce's review against another edition
I just really can’t do it. I enjoyed it until I didn’t.
jaywithwhiskey's review against another edition
2.0
I'm a bit torn about how to rate this. I picked this series from romance.io looking for my next book pick but I went through so many books, I didn't clock that this was a mafia romance. Here I was waiting for a fantasy element to come in. Regardless, I was really intrigued when we open, there was so much mystery around David's disappearance and the clues around that plus the presence of Kage / why he was there. The banter and wit between the protagonist and Sloane was great as well, so funny and really made me love them.
However as the book progressed, Kage turned out to have no real personality. If he wasn't the main love interest, I would have gotten him confused with a side character. He had all the romance tropes going for him but personally, I found him missing a spark. Their falling in love happened way too fast for me and once things started going, they didn't stop to catch a breath so I've been trying to keep my interest with the pacing of this romance and the whole journey has felt off-beat for me.
I also found it hard to gauge the stakes. Especially when we get to the end and Kage takes care of the problems, I was a bit like "well why didn't we do this in the first place".
Overall, there are some strong points here for sure and I think for a usual mafia romance with alpha male high risk energy with a load of steam, this would be great, however I felt like it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
However as the book progressed, Kage turned out to have no real personality. If he wasn't the main love interest, I would have gotten him confused with a side character. He had all the romance tropes going for him but personally, I found him missing a spark. Their falling in love happened way too fast for me and once things started going, they didn't stop to catch a breath so I've been trying to keep my interest with the pacing of this romance and the whole journey has felt off-beat for me.
I also found it hard to gauge the stakes. Especially when we get to the end and Kage takes care of the problems, I was a bit like "well why didn't we do this in the first place".
Overall, there are some strong points here for sure and I think for a usual mafia romance with alpha male high risk energy with a load of steam, this would be great, however I felt like it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
novelreen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
J.T. Geissinger’s "Ruthless Creatures" is an electrifying blend of romance and suspense that grips readers from the very first page. The novel follows Natalie Peterson, a woman grappling with the unresolved disappearance of her fiancé, Michael, five years ago. As she faces the fifth anniversary of his mysterious vanishing, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Kage, a dangerous and enigmatic stranger.
Natalie is a standout protagonist, characterized by her quick wit and sharp sense of humor. Her sarcasm and clever remarks provide much-needed levity amidst the darker, more suspenseful elements of the story. Natalie’s humor is not just a defense mechanism but also a testament to her resilience and intelligence, making her an engaging and relatable character.
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is the portrayal of Natalie’s friendship with her best friend, Sloane. Their bond is a cornerstone of the narrative, offering emotional support and comic relief. Sloane’s unwavering loyalty and candid advice highlight the strength of their friendship, providing a stable anchor for Natalie as she navigates the turbulent waters of new love and hidden dangers. This friendship underscores the theme of solidarity and the importance of having a reliable support system during times of crisis.
The romantic tension between Natalie and Kage is palpable and intense. Kage, with his mysterious background and dangerous aura, keeps readers guessing about his true intentions. The dynamic between Natalie and Kage is charged with both passion and suspicion, creating a riveting push-and-pull that drives the narrative forward. As their relationship develops, themes of trust and betrayal are intricately explored, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Geissinger excels in balancing the elements of romance and suspense. The plot is fast-paced, with twists and turns that maintain a high level of intrigue. While some developments might be predictable to seasoned readers of the genre, the engaging writing style and well-drawn characters more than compensate for any foreseeable plot points.
In conclusion, "Ruthless Creatures" is a compelling start to the "Queens & Monsters" series, offering a rich tapestry of intense romance, suspenseful mystery, and profound emotional connections. Natalie’s quick wit, coupled with her deep and genuine friendship with Sloane, adds a refreshing and relatable layer to the story. This novel is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense, promising an exciting journey through love, loss, and redemption.
Natalie is a standout protagonist, characterized by her quick wit and sharp sense of humor. Her sarcasm and clever remarks provide much-needed levity amidst the darker, more suspenseful elements of the story. Natalie’s humor is not just a defense mechanism but also a testament to her resilience and intelligence, making her an engaging and relatable character.
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is the portrayal of Natalie’s friendship with her best friend, Sloane. Their bond is a cornerstone of the narrative, offering emotional support and comic relief. Sloane’s unwavering loyalty and candid advice highlight the strength of their friendship, providing a stable anchor for Natalie as she navigates the turbulent waters of new love and hidden dangers. This friendship underscores the theme of solidarity and the importance of having a reliable support system during times of crisis.
The romantic tension between Natalie and Kage is palpable and intense. Kage, with his mysterious background and dangerous aura, keeps readers guessing about his true intentions. The dynamic between Natalie and Kage is charged with both passion and suspicion, creating a riveting push-and-pull that drives the narrative forward. As their relationship develops, themes of trust and betrayal are intricately explored, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Geissinger excels in balancing the elements of romance and suspense. The plot is fast-paced, with twists and turns that maintain a high level of intrigue. While some developments might be predictable to seasoned readers of the genre, the engaging writing style and well-drawn characters more than compensate for any foreseeable plot points.
In conclusion, "Ruthless Creatures" is a compelling start to the "Queens & Monsters" series, offering a rich tapestry of intense romance, suspenseful mystery, and profound emotional connections. Natalie’s quick wit, coupled with her deep and genuine friendship with Sloane, adds a refreshing and relatable layer to the story. This novel is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense, promising an exciting journey through love, loss, and redemption.
clareasday's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
alexhopson's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- 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