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jmrie 's review for:
The Reaper
by RuNyx
The Reaper | 4.25
Apparently mafia romance is now my favorite genre because I devoured this in less than 24 hours. Granted it was only around 250 pages but the fact of the matter is that this book touched me in ways more than I initially gave it credit for.
The Reaper is the second installment in the Dark Verse Series, picking off exactly where [b:The Predator|52871061|The Predator (Dark Verse, #1)|RuNyx|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576459099l/52871061._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73765405] ended. While a larger and more external plot is surrounding the characters, its relevance to me is as little as a centimeter. The story fundamentally revolves around Tristan Caine and Morana Vitolio, their love, and how they faced both inner and outer conflicts. It portrays two emotionally-broken and damaged (perhaps beyond repair) people who found love, comfort, and home in each other’s arms.
The book is spicier than its precedence with a 3/5 spicy rating. Each intimate scene features a new and different form of sexual intimacy that leaves the readers hungry for more. I do have to note that Tristan’s libido, as well as Morana’s, is high up to the skies that I wonder if he does not get bricked up for a day. He must be testosterone-filled to the brim if
Tristan and Morana’s character development is one of the best assets in the story. They are both thrown into the relationship without prior knowledge on how to be in one. Given their traumatic backgrounds, easing into something as domestic and as warm as romance is not going to be easy nor linear. RuNyx was able to show a slow yet steady progress of the characters slowly finding their way in navigating their relationship while facing their own demons. It’s impressive to see Tristan’s transition from being almost completely mute to
I waited for a scene like this and RuNyx did not disappoint. It showed that despite the ambiguity of their world and how trashed their morals probably are, Tristan Caine was molded by his environment and not entirely his choice. He was as innocent as every other child but circumstances forced him into the man that he is. It made me more empathetic for him.
I commend how RuNyx wrote this type of relationship dynamic. One thing I hate is for one character to stay with an emotionally-damaged character thinking that they can fix their partner with sheer will or sheer love, who knows. It’s toxic and painful for the other. Morana did not stay to fix Tristan and Tristan did not allow Morana to fix him. They are both tarnished and perhaps that is why it’s easier to stay together. They heal their ownselves, even just a little bit, and starts to learn things they never thought they are capable of. I think that’s beautiful.
Indeed, this involves a lot more staring and monologue than the first book. Other reviews shared it infuriated them but I found in this book that I appreciated it. It was a great way of storytelling that fits the characters. Morana is a nerd who has had little to no human interaction due to her father and thus, she diverted her attention to computers. She is bound to think more than talk. Being able to know what runs through her mind is showing that she is indeed intelligent and witty. Tristan, given his background, is obviously going to be silent. That does not irritate me at all. I can see it’s difficult for him. I can see he’s trying. That’s all that matters. Their nonverbal communication is rather sweet and something that is wholly theirs so I find that unique.
There is a larger plot swirling around them and mysteries uncovered but honestly, I can care less. I am more invested in their relationship than whatever it is that happens in the story. Still, everything would have flourished more if that part of the story was more developed and the mystery was given more justice. so it was slightly unsatisfying.
Regardless, the tears I shed the night I finished this story may be misleading because I am easily moved to tears but the fact stays that this story does not blend with any other romance stories I read. And that fact alone is enough to note this book as successful.
Apparently mafia romance is now my favorite genre because I devoured this in less than 24 hours. Granted it was only around 250 pages but the fact of the matter is that this book touched me in ways more than I initially gave it credit for.
The Reaper is the second installment in the Dark Verse Series, picking off exactly where [b:The Predator|52871061|The Predator (Dark Verse, #1)|RuNyx|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576459099l/52871061._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73765405] ended. While a larger and more external plot is surrounding the characters, its relevance to me is as little as a centimeter. The story fundamentally revolves around Tristan Caine and Morana Vitolio, their love, and how they faced both inner and outer conflicts. It portrays two emotionally-broken and damaged (perhaps beyond repair) people who found love, comfort, and home in each other’s arms.
The book is spicier than its precedence with a 3/5 spicy rating. Each intimate scene features a new and different form of sexual intimacy that leaves the readers hungry for more. I do have to note that Tristan’s libido, as well as Morana’s, is high up to the skies that I wonder if he does not get bricked up for a day. He must be testosterone-filled to the brim if
Spoiler
watching Morana eat what he cooked makes him hard.Tristan and Morana’s character development is one of the best assets in the story. They are both thrown into the relationship without prior knowledge on how to be in one. Given their traumatic backgrounds, easing into something as domestic and as warm as romance is not going to be easy nor linear. RuNyx was able to show a slow yet steady progress of the characters slowly finding their way in navigating their relationship while facing their own demons. It’s impressive to see Tristan’s transition from being almost completely mute to
Spoiler
slowly accepting Morana’s surprise hugs, answering questions with more than just one word, and being able to tell her about his thoughts and his past.Spoiler
Tristan breaking down to Morana during that night was perhaps the best scene in the story as it signifies the end of whatever doubts and insecurities fogging their bond. It was a vulnerable moment for them both but for Tristan most especially.I commend how RuNyx wrote this type of relationship dynamic. One thing I hate is for one character to stay with an emotionally-damaged character thinking that they can fix their partner with sheer will or sheer love, who knows. It’s toxic and painful for the other. Morana did not stay to fix Tristan and Tristan did not allow Morana to fix him. They are both tarnished and perhaps that is why it’s easier to stay together. They heal their ownselves, even just a little bit, and starts to learn things they never thought they are capable of. I think that’s beautiful.
Indeed, this involves a lot more staring and monologue than the first book. Other reviews shared it infuriated them but I found in this book that I appreciated it. It was a great way of storytelling that fits the characters. Morana is a nerd who has had little to no human interaction due to her father and thus, she diverted her attention to computers. She is bound to think more than talk. Being able to know what runs through her mind is showing that she is indeed intelligent and witty. Tristan, given his background, is obviously going to be silent. That does not irritate me at all. I can see it’s difficult for him. I can see he’s trying. That’s all that matters. Their nonverbal communication is rather sweet and something that is wholly theirs so I find that unique.
There is a larger plot swirling around them and mysteries uncovered but honestly, I can care less. I am more invested in their relationship than whatever it is that happens in the story. Still, everything would have flourished more if that part of the story was more developed and the mystery was given more justice.
Spoiler
The deaths of the antagonists felt a bit too quick and too short after the evil they unleashed in the worldRegardless, the tears I shed the night I finished this story may be misleading because I am easily moved to tears but the fact stays that this story does not blend with any other romance stories I read. And that fact alone is enough to note this book as successful.