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A review by fatedhearts_lorilee
The House of the Wicked: A romantic suspense novel by Oona Arlo
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
🖤 I loved that this book was so multi-faceted. It’s a dark romantic suspense centred around organized crime, but it also deals with some really heavy issues in a meaningful way. Through the FMC Nora, Oona weaves in discussions/portrayals of depression and distorted thinking around body image, and it’s really impactful. The media and society pushes one version of the “right” body type, and many of us have struggled with the same things that Nora finds herself considering.
♥️ Nora has been sheltered (in some ways) by her uncle and guardian Ricky, who runs The Court Cartel, one of the two rival gangs in Port Manaus. She is isolated, and has very few people in her life. But Ricky also has her involved in his business, which means she has to do some things that she knows don’t align with her morals.
🖤 August comes onto the scene and disrupts Nora’s life in a good way. He becomes someone else that she can talk to and maybe trust, although he does tell her not to trust him, so I guess you’ll have to see what happens there! He is one of the only men around Nora who can see how uncomfortable she is around one of Ricky’s men, and is the only one who tries to do something (maybe possibly related to *almost* gouging out an eye).
♥️ There are a couple of very memorable supporting characters who need to be shouted out. Dima has been Nora’s nanny for her whole life, and she is really the only constant for her. Although she isn’t overly affectionate, Nora knows that Dima always has her back, no matter what. Yves comes into the book later, but brings a lot of fun energy and banter!
🖤 “She’s not a princess, we’re not in a tower, and I’m for damn sure not a prince. Despite that, I lean forward, my body quietly reaching for hers.”
♥️ Nora has been sheltered (in some ways) by her uncle and guardian Ricky, who runs The Court Cartel, one of the two rival gangs in Port Manaus. She is isolated, and has very few people in her life. But Ricky also has her involved in his business, which means she has to do some things that she knows don’t align with her morals.
🖤 August comes onto the scene and disrupts Nora’s life in a good way. He becomes someone else that she can talk to and maybe trust, although he does tell her not to trust him, so I guess you’ll have to see what happens there! He is one of the only men around Nora who can see how uncomfortable she is around one of Ricky’s men, and is the only one who tries to do something (maybe possibly related to *almost* gouging out an eye).
♥️ There are a couple of very memorable supporting characters who need to be shouted out. Dima has been Nora’s nanny for her whole life, and she is really the only constant for her. Although she isn’t overly affectionate, Nora knows that Dima always has her back, no matter what. Yves comes into the book later, but brings a lot of fun energy and banter!
🖤 “She’s not a princess, we’re not in a tower, and I’m for damn sure not a prince. Despite that, I lean forward, my body quietly reaching for hers.”