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velvetwrappedsmut
ARC REVIEW
While I wouldn't call this a slow burn, as based on the timeline the two MMCs are sleeping together within weeks of meeting each other, I was captivated by this story.
I generally dislike 3rd person POVs because I find it hard to keep track of the characters and the style lends more to telling than showing, but this story universe is intriguing and was written well. There are some small grammatical errors (expected in ARC copies that I will be passing onto the author) but I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop alongside the gang war. There were some twists that will keep you on your toes (unless you had ADHD spidey senses that tingle straight away!)
Couple of small issues for me:
Based on Blair's own descriptions of his sexuality, he gives the vibe off that he is demi-sexual. The progression of this relationship from meeting each other, through to them consumating the relationship felt rapid. As I stated before, this was described as a slow burn, but slow burn for me is the main couple not getting intimate until well into 60-70% of the way through the book. These two had sex at around the 40% mark which I find is standard for most romances I read.
I would have liked more insight into Wren's experiences with his father. It's obvious they have a big impact on Wren in the present, considering his first POV is him having a 'conversation' with his father. I want the back story there.
Some of the gang behaviours had me scoffing - riding a very conspicuous motorbike and not having the rival gang find Blair, constantly parking their obvious vehicles in public, a 21year-old being in charge of the defence of the whole gang (who has never killed someone). I also feel like Blair/Wren never wore helmets when riding on said motorcycle.
For a debut novel, this was great. I can't wait for part 2 of the duology (and I am hoping it's from Reymond and Felix's perspectives).
While I wouldn't call this a slow burn, as based on the timeline the two MMCs are sleeping together within weeks of meeting each other, I was captivated by this story.
I generally dislike 3rd person POVs because I find it hard to keep track of the characters and the style lends more to telling than showing, but this story universe is intriguing and was written well. There are some small grammatical errors (expected in ARC copies that I will be passing onto the author) but I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop alongside the gang war. There were some twists that will keep you on your toes (unless you had ADHD spidey senses that tingle straight away!)
Couple of small issues for me:
Based on Blair's own descriptions of his sexuality, he gives the vibe off that he is demi-sexual. The progression of this relationship from meeting each other, through to them consumating the relationship felt rapid. As I stated before, this was described as a slow burn, but slow burn for me is the main couple not getting intimate until well into 60-70% of the way through the book. These two had sex at around the 40% mark which I find is standard for most romances I read.
I would have liked more insight into Wren's experiences with his father. It's obvious they have a big impact on Wren in the present, considering his first POV is him having a 'conversation' with his father. I want the back story there.
Some of the gang behaviours had me scoffing - riding a very conspicuous motorbike and not having the rival gang find Blair, constantly parking their obvious vehicles in public, a 21year-old being in charge of the defence of the whole gang (who has never killed someone). I also feel like Blair/Wren never wore helmets when riding on said motorcycle.
For a debut novel, this was great. I can't wait for part 2 of the duology (and I am hoping it's from Reymond and Felix's perspectives).
