A review by cmykbibliophile
The House of the Wicked: A romantic suspense novel by Oona Arlo

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The House of the Wicked

Oona Arlo

Tropes:
🥀 Romantic Suspense 
🥀 Protective MMC
🥀 Forbidden Romance
🥀 Forced Proximity
🥀 Crime Family
🥀 Slow Burn


The House of the Wicked, the first in Oona Arlo's The Snake and the Raven series, is a thrilling mix of romantic suspense and crime drama. The story follows Nora, an orphan raised by her crime lord godfather in the violent city of Port Manaus. Sheltered yet complicit in her godfather's illegal operations, Nora reaches a breaking point after a gang-related murder and decides to escape her life of crime.

Standing in her way is August, the family’s mysterious head of security. As they’re forced to flee together, Nora and August's undeniable chemistry complicates everything. He warns her not to trust him, but as danger mounts, their connection deepens. Soon, Nora realizes that the real threat may come from the man who raised her.

Fast-paced and full of tension, The House of the Wicked is a gripping read, blending action, romance, and unexpected twists. Nora’s fight for freedom and the electric dynamic with August make this an addictive start to the series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, I have SO many questions that I need answers to! Wow, what a read! 


TWs: 

Hate, Discrimination & Oppression 
⚠️ Gentrification - mentioned 
⚠️Homelessness - mentioned
⚠️ Poverty - mentioned 
Sex and Sexual Violence 
⚠️ Dubious consent scenarios - on page 
⚠️ Attempted rape - on page 
⚠️ Sexual harassment - on page 
⚠️ Rough sex - on page 
⚠️ Dominance and submission dynamics - on page 
⚠️ Bondage with improvised restraints - on page 
⚠️ Graphic sex - on page 
⚠️ Agoraphilia - on page 
Mental Health and Suicide 
⚠️ Anxiety & anxiety attacks - mentioned 
⚠️ Depression - mentioned 
⚠️ Disordered weight & body thoughts - mentioned 
⚠️ Self-harm - on page 
⚠️ Suicidal ideation- on page 
⚠️ Alcohol and Drugs 
⚠️ Alcohol consumption - mentioned 
⚠️ Drug abuse - mentioned 
Blood, Injury & Medical 
⚠️ Blood & gore depiction - on page 
⚠️ Chronic illness & chronic pain - mentioned ⚠️ Dead bodies & body parts - mentioned 
⚠️ Physical injuries - on page 
Death and Loss 
⚠️ Death of a parent & guardian - mentioned and on page 
⚠️Grief & loss depiction - mentioned 
Violence and Crime 
⚠️ Asphyxia, strangulation & suffocation - on page 
⚠️ Captivity & confinement - on page 
⚠️ Gang violence - on page 
⚠️ Gun violence - on page 
⚠️ Knife violence - on page 
⚠️ Murder & attempted murder - on page 
⚠️ Organized crime - on page 
⚠️ Physical assault - on page 
⚠️ Stalking - mentioned