fell to my knees when I saw the next book isn’t coming until 2025
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Sofiya Ivanova (21) | Matteo Rossi (38)
FEATURES ∘ mafia (fell to my knees when I saw the next book isn’t coming until 2025
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Sofiya Ivanova (21) | Matteo Rossi (38)
FEATURES ∘ mafia (him)-bratva (her) romance ∘ arranged marriage ∘ opposites attract ∘ disability rep ∘ age gap ∘ bdsm elements
REVIEW The first 40% of this book enamored me like no other. I love when the MMC is “disinterested” yet gets jealous at the mere thought of other men around the FMC.
The book slowed for me a bit beyond that point, as Matteo had fallen for Sofiya’s charms and treated her with the adoration she deserved. The way Emilia Rossi wrote Sofiya’s experience with hEDS felt realistic and respectful. A disabled main character, especially a female lead, is underrepresented in the romance genre.
It was a fine time until we get to the final act. Now begrudgingly, I will admit the third act conflict picked up the pace, but the consequences and reconciliation deserved more time spent addressing them.
(view spoiler)[When Matteo is convinced that Sofiya is a traitor, he has her brought down to the basement for hours. Granted, he had meant to get her, but he was shot and was unconscious. During this time, Sofiya is told by the traitor (forgot his name, but it’s the really obvious one) all the ways her husband will torture her for being a traitor. She was in there so long, she ended up urinating on herself. We later discover she is pregnant.
Now obviously, this is a pretty big betrayal to Sofiya, and she was well within her rights to seek escape from Matteo. I wish she had meant it when she left, that she had taken off the tracker, but instead she wasted everyone’s time and resources in a poorly planned escape attempt. Sofiya was too kind for her own good, and Matteo was too old to be taken for a fool. I feel like we needed significantly more time to really forgive Matteo. So much happened after he locked her away that it almost lessened the fact he hurt her. I wish we could’ve seen him grovel far more and hate himself even harder. (hide spoiler)]
This subgenre of romance has a way of capturing my attention like no other. His Tesero was a great time and was everything it wanted to be. I look forward to the continuation of this series, and I do hope to see more of Emilia Rossi.
OW/OM DRAMA none CHEATING none THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes ENDING HEA — months later epilogue
POV dual / first person SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5 RATING 4 / 5...more
I just can’t stop thinking about how he was chopping vegetables (including onions) and then fingered her.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES Isabella Costa | Primo EsI just can’t stop thinking about how he was chopping vegetables (including onions) and then fingered her.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES Isabella Costa | Primo Esposito
SUMMARY From the moment Primo saw Isabella, of the rival crime family Costa, he knew the spirited woman was the one he wanted to marry. He then proceeds to have her kidnapped as the first step of his plan. The Costas and Espositos then reach a tentative agreement of a marriage between Primo and Isabella to remove distrust and unify the families.
The newlyweds struggle to adjust to their new life, Isabella resenting him and Primo impatiently patient with her resentment. Just as they begin to reach a truce, an attempt on Isabella’s life deteriorates their progress.
Underneath all that hatred is an attraction that, try as she might, Isabella cannot ignore. Where attraction leads, desire follows.
REVIEW An arranged marriage plot where both characters do not want to be in their marriage is compelling, but an arranged marriage plot where one of them is so sure they want to be married to the other that they kidnap them? Somehow, even more compelling.
The slowburn of Isabella and Primo’s relationship was perfect. Even after things got physical, there was a one-sided, albeit weakening, hatred on Isabella’s end. Isabella’s refusal to concede and Primo’s adoration—and exasperation—of her antics made for such a fun read. Although at times the development (both progression and regression) was a bit abrupt, overall the relationship plot itself is easily a 5/5.
The external plot— Isabella’s life being threatened— and its resolution disappointed me. Not because of who the antagonist turned out to be, but because I absolutely despise when there is no (or in this case, minimal) foreshadowing. See spoilers at bottom.
Jessica Gadziala is no stranger of creating immersive of underworld organizations and the love stories in them, and while this is my first read of this series, I have no doubt the other books set in this universe will be just as captivating.
OM/OW DRAMA minor OW — (view spoiler)[Primo mentions receiving a blowjob from his housekeeper on the morning of his wedding (before Primo and Isabella officially meet), and she later shows up to try to seduce him and is promptly fired (hide spoiler)] CHEATING none THIRD ACT BREAKUP no ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5 RATING 3.5 / 5
SPOILERS content warning: (view spoiler)[kidnap, attempted rape, murder, and mentions of child abuse (hide spoiler)]
The Third Act Conflict and [REDACTED]’s Betrayal (view spoiler)[Terzo, Primo’s brother, is killed when another ambush occurs at the apartment. Because of this, Primo tries to send Isabella away, but she insists on staying with him as he grieves.
He agrees and leaves his twin half-brothers, Dulles and Dawson, as her primary guards. When Primo is out running errands, the twins send away the other guards and kidnap Isabella.
They explain to Isabella that they planned to send her back to her family, but she started sleeping with Primo, which made her “tainted.” They reveal they were the ones who killed Terzo, and they want to kill Primo next, after he watches them rape and murder Isabella.
Their hatred of Primo stems from their father. He killed the twins ‘ mother and forced them to move in with Primo, Terzo, and Due. They were all horribly abused by their father before he was killed by Primo. The twins think Primo to be as abusive and cruel as him, and they resent their brother for not protecting his siblings, despite being a victim himself.
Primo finds the twins and Isabella in the basement of their family home—where the boys were abused, and he viciously murders them before he frees Isabella.
Tying back to my review, I felt that although the twins had strong motivations, their earlier actions in the novel did not match the extent of their hatred and betrayal.
It was clear they were secretive and hurt from what happened with their mother, but there is no way they hid their hatred of Primo that well, especially paired with the fact they waited so long to enact their revenge.
When they kidnapped Isabella, they didn’t care whether or not Primo found out. Their plan was to make him suffer…but their plan was flakey, at best. (hide spoiler)]
Merged review:
I just can’t stop thinking about how he was chopping vegetables (including onions) and then fingered her.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES Isabella Costa | Primo Esposito
SUMMARY From the moment Primo saw Isabella, of the rival crime family Costa, he knew the spirited woman was the one he wanted to marry. He then proceeds to have her kidnapped as the first step of his plan. The Costas and Espositos then reach a tentative agreement of a marriage between Primo and Isabella to remove distrust and unify the families.
The newlyweds struggle to adjust to their new life, Isabella resenting him and Primo impatiently patient with her resentment. Just as they begin to reach a truce, an attempt on Isabella’s life deteriorates their progress.
Underneath all that hatred is an attraction that, try as she might, Isabella cannot ignore. Where attraction leads, desire follows.
REVIEW An arranged marriage plot where both characters do not want to be in their marriage is compelling, but an arranged marriage plot where one of them is so sure they want to be married to the other that they kidnap them? Somehow, even more compelling.
The slowburn of Isabella and Primo’s relationship was perfect. Even after things got physical, there was a one-sided, albeit weakening, hatred on Isabella’s end. Isabella’s refusal to concede and Primo’s adoration—and exasperation—of her antics made for such a fun read. Although at times the development (both progression and regression) was a bit abrupt, overall the relationship plot itself is easily a 5/5.
The external plot— Isabella’s life being threatened— and its resolution disappointed me. Not because of who the antagonist turned out to be, but because I absolutely despise when there is no (or in this case, minimal) foreshadowing. See spoilers at bottom.
Jessica Gadziala is no stranger of creating immersive of underworld organizations and the love stories in them, and while this is my first read of this series, I have no doubt the other books set in this universe will be just as captivating.
OM/OW DRAMA minor OW — (view spoiler)[Primo mentions receiving a blowjob from his housekeeper on the morning of his wedding (before Primo and Isabella officially meet), and she later shows up to try to seduce him and is promptly fired (hide spoiler)] CHEATING none THIRD ACT BREAKUP no ENDING HEA
POV dual / first person SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5 RATING 3.5 / 5
SPOILERS content warning: (view spoiler)[kidnap, attempted rape, murder, and mentions of child abuse (hide spoiler)]
The Third Act Conflict and [REDACTED]’s Betrayal (view spoiler)[Terzo, Primo’s brother, is killed when another ambush occurs at the apartment. Because of this, Primo tries to send Isabella away, but she insists on staying with him as he grieves.
He agrees and leaves his twin half-brothers, Dulles and Dawson, as her primary guards. When Primo is out running errands, the twins send away the other guards and kidnap Isabella.
They explain to Isabella that they planned to send her back to her family, but she started sleeping with Primo, which made her “tainted.” They reveal they were the ones who killed Terzo, and they want to kill Primo next, after he watches them rape and murder Isabella.
Their hatred of Primo stems from their father. He killed the twins ‘ mother and forced them to move in with Primo, Terzo, and Due. They were all horribly abused by their father before he was killed by Primo. The twins think Primo to be as abusive and cruel as him, and they resent their brother for not protecting his siblings, despite being a victim himself.
Primo finds the twins and Isabella in the basement of their family home—where the boys were abused, and he viciously murders them before he frees Isabella.
Tying back to my review, I felt that although the twins had strong motivations, their earlier actions in the novel did not match the extent of their hatred and betrayal.
It was clear they were secretive and hurt from what happened with their mother, but there is no way they hid their hatred of Primo that well, especially paired with the fact they waited so long to enact their revenge.
When they kidnapped Isabella, they didn’t care whether or not Primo found out. Their plan was to make him suffer…but their plan was flakey, at best. (hide spoiler)]...more
I knew I loved it when a man gets on his knees because he messed up, but I didn’t know I also loved it when he bends over and takes his spankings likeI knew I loved it when a man gets on his knees because he messed up, but I didn’t know I also loved it when he bends over and takes his spankings like a good boy ...more
I think it’s totally reasonable to kill any man who looks at your wife.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Sienna DeVille (20) | Drago Popov (37)
FEATURES ∘ mI think it’s totally reasonable to kill any man who looks at your wife.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Sienna DeVille (20) | Drago Popov (37)
FEATURES ∘ mafia romance ∘ arranged marriage ∘ grumpy / sunshine (façade) ∘ “look at her and die” ∘ she’s sent to spy on him
REVIEW This series is definitely best enjoyed sporadically, because I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve had to wait for, but was over it when I binged it. Funny how that works, huh?
The book was filled with juvenile and over-the-top antics—I mean that positively! I enjoyed Sienna being able to charm anyone while Drago got jealous because she was playing video games with one of his men. Or laugh with one of his men. Or, honestly, give attention to anyone that wasn’t him.
The idea of a perfect, quirky, you-can’t-help-but-love-her main character could have easily gotten tired or annoying as a plot device, but it worked here. The dynamic between Drago and Sienna was perfect, and I cannot stress how much I appreciated that her spying/reporting wasn’t saved as a big betrayal or reveal in the third act. Seriously. Thank you Neva Altaj for not doing that.
I enjoyed my time reading this so much that I was bummed when it was over. I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series—here’s hoping we get at least 20 more books set in this universe. I may not remember who’s who, or who belongs to which crime syndicate, but I’m having a blast.
OW/OM DRAMA none CHEATING none THIRD ACT BREAKUP no ENDING HEA — several years later epilogue
POV dual / first person SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5 RATING 4.5 / 5...more
Someone tell Sikthand you do NOT need to be cruel to be kind.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Sophia (?) | Sikthand (?)
FEATURES ∘ alien / human romance ∘ roSomeone tell Sikthand you do NOT need to be cruel to be kind.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Sophia (?) | Sikthand (?)
FEATURES ∘ alien / human romance ∘ royal mmc ∘ fmc held hostage (safely) ∘ fated mates ∘ arranged marriage ∘ angst/trust issues GALORE
REVIEW I’ve been waiting for a new Cleclanians novel for forever, so I downloaded this one as quickly as possible. It did NOT disappoint.
Sikthand was a compelling main character, and even though his (arguably understandable) actions irritated me sometimes, his reactions and obsession with Sophia had me giggling.
We’re missing a huge chunk of Sophia’s backstory, and I can’t remember if it’s discussed in earlier books or not. She mentions not seeing her father in over twenty years, but the reasoning is never explained. Her love and loyalty to Sikthand was admirable, and I adored watching her gain conviction and confidence.
The conclusion was a bit abrupt. We didn’t get to see Sophia and Sikthand together without the hint of distrust that plagued their relationship or without one of them holding back. They resolve their issues, and then BOOM—epilogue. It was a cute, albeit brief, epilogue though.
Nonetheless, I’m fully invested in this world. I’ll read about any of this complicated world and the alien men with their thick (but lovable) skulls any time, any place. If Victoria Aveline could clone herself a hundred times so she could work on a hundred stories at once, that’d be great. Thanks!
OW/OM DRAMA minor OM & OW — both Sikthand and Sophia lightly flirt with other people, mostly to make the other jealous (before they’re together & when they’re denying feelings) | past OW — Sikthand has been hurt before and it’s lead to some serious trust issues CHEATING none THIRD ACT BREAKUP no, but they also aren’t even really together by the third act ENDING HEA — near future epilogue
POV dual / third person SPICE LEVEL 3.5 / 5 RATING 4 / 5...more
If Rain has a million fans, then I'm one of them. If Rain has one fan, then I'm THAT ONE. If Rain has no fans, that means I'm dead.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMEIf Rain has a million fans, then I'm one of them. If Rain has one fan, then I'm THAT ONE. If Rain has no fans, that means I'm dead.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Rainstorm “Rain” Thuraya Kateb (30) | Wesley “Wes” Sorenson (~36)
FEATURES ∘ femdom ∘ marriage of convenience/forced marriage ∘ “my wife” (once) ∘ small town ∘ misconceptions
REVIEW Wesley (especially in the beginning) is hands-down the least likable main character Heather Guerre has ever written.
In initial conversations with Rain’s father, Wes is told Rain is on the spectrum. In his internal monologue, he says his brother Aiden is autistic, and Wes used to get in physical fights with the people who bullied Aiden.
So, KNOWING she is autistic (and having an autistic brother, so it’s not like he’s just ignorant), he still scoffs at her attempts to learn and her difficulty with socializing with strangers. At one point she asks if she can go along with him to add a phone to his plan so she can learn about it, and he’s annoyed by it.
I already dislike when people belittle others (whether with words or reactions) for not knowing how to do something “basic”—we all have to learn at some point; some people are just taught later than others—so even if Wes hadn’t known Rain was autistic, it still would’ve been a side eye moment. However, the fact he was told by her father (in a rude ass way, mind you) that Rain was on the spectrum, made his irritation with her that much worse. So while I could understand his frustration and dislike of the situation, I could not understand his hostility toward Rain. There just wasn’t enough time in the novel to properly redeem him.
That being said, for as much as I disliked Wes, I loved Rain. Her charm, musings, humor, and thoughtfulness easily makes her one of my favorite heroines. I already adored her from the moment we met her, and then she went and bought the kind of yogurt Wes liked with her limited money, even after he was rude about giving her the money in the first place.
The development of feelings between Rain and Wes was abrupt. They were in love, but I did not feel it. Wes had a lot of maturing to do and misconceptions left to clear up. He had sweet moments, of course, but so much of the novel was Rain taking care of Wes, and I didn’t see much reciprocation on his end. Usually, tenderness comes from both sides, but it seemed one-sided here; he didn’t seem to give anything close to what Rain gave.
The writing, as always, was engaging and immersive. In fact, just how much I disliked Wesley speaks to Heather Guerre’s ability to write fully-realized characters. Although Wes’s behavior made me question if I was going to like the book, I did end up truly enjoying it (despite what my review may indicate).
OW/OM DRAMA none CHEATING none THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes ENDING HEA — very near future
POV dual / third person SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5 RATING 4 / 5...more
Usually I love learning about the new species we are introduced to, but 40% of the book was spent infodumping planet (named Zailia) facts and Edocit cUsually I love learning about the new species we are introduced to, but 40% of the book was spent infodumping planet (named Zailia) facts and Edocit culture, 50% was spent on a mission, and 10% was spent on the relationship. Information was not distributed evenly or in a way that felt seamless.
Maeve and Helio were both eager for their marriage, but there was almost no time spent developing their relationship. While they were both nice characters, they were very bland to me—until the end, where their chemistry finally felt real, but then it was OVER.
The blurb mentions Maeve keeping secrets and tragedy striking, but honestly, this is very misleading. Her secrets (view spoiler)[refer to the classified information of the Enforcers (space police, basically), (hide spoiler)] and the tragedy is (view spoiler)[the kidnapping of a Edocit teen named Strasa. This kidnapping turns out to be part of a much larger operation involving slavery and drug distribution. (hide spoiler)]
They work together as a team, and eventually, (view spoiler)[Strasa is rescued, the operation’s criminal base is dismantled, and Helio joins the Enforcers as a free agent so Maeve can now tell him her “secrets.” She stated she never wanted to have to keep secrets from her children because as the daughter of former spies, secrets were kept from her, but I guess it’s no longer an issue.(hide spoiler)]
I’m not exaggerating: there is no friction in their relationship. They communicate through any (one, actually) issues immediately, and then are smitten with each other again. Where are the awkward missteps? I’ve loved them in the rest of the series, but their absence is felt here.
POV: dual, first person Spice Level: 4/5 Rating: 3/5...more
Megara is forced to marry Henrik after the latter purposely kills Megara’s cousin while having sex with her. Sure, there was a political reason for thMegara is forced to marry Henrik after the latter purposely kills Megara’s cousin while having sex with her. Sure, there was a political reason for the death, but like…for real?
Henrik demanded obedience from Megara while treating her (and other women) poorly. I’m sure other readers would like how controlling and dominant he is, but I did not. His “softness” was just bare-minimum respect (e.g. allowing his wife to follow her dreams).
I know it was the point of the novel, but to have this hard-headed, independent, stubborn man willingly live in his father’s shadow did not track. I already didn’t like him, but for him to permit the trafficking of women under his watch really solidified my hatred. Henrick realized it was wrong not because of his own honorability (which he insists he has), but because of his wife’s. If you’re going to do shitty things, own it. Trying to justify or quantify it just made him look flimsy, unaware, and weak.
When he finally stood up to his father, it mattered little because his uncle had already done everything for him. Had his uncle and brother hadn’t forced him to diverge from his father, Henrick never would’ve of his own volition. He’s a cowardly character who shows his “strength” by dominating (abusing, actually) his wife. Granted, he realized he was being weak toward the end, but it was too little too late to redeem him.
Megara fought hard—her initial resistance against him was valiant and admirable—but unfortunately, she has succumbed to Stockholm syndrome. Her character was strong, and I did like her. It’s truly a shame she was matched with someone who doesn’t respect her.
POV: dual, third Spice Level: 5/5 Rating: 1.5/5...more
Mafia romances just love the arranged/forced marriage trope, and guess what? So do I.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES Emelia | Massimo
SUMMARY Massimo has been hellMafia romances just love the arranged/forced marriage trope, and guess what? So do I.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES Emelia | Massimo
SUMMARY Massimo has been hellbent on revenge ever since his father’s former friend and business partner, Riccardo, stole Massimo’s family’s fortune, home, and status from them. Now that he’s older, his plan is finally ready to be enacted. He starts with marrying Riccardo’s beloved daughter, Emelia.
All Emelia wants to do is paint. Making it into the school of her dreams, she’s ready to be free from her father’s grasp. When her father makes her marry Massimo, she’s forced to pay the consequences of her father’s actions.
There’s an undeniable attraction between Emelia and Massimo, but both fight against their lust and lash out against each other. As the arrangement becomes more twisted, lines blur and feelings get hurt.
REVIEW I liked the circumstances that brought Emelia and Massimo together. Angst from loving your enemy’s daughter is always going to hit, and this was no exception
Emelia and Massimo were both immature, but it almost seemed unintentional. It’s shown that Massimo has a lot of growing to do, as his past has left him bitter, but their juvenility was consistent and unaddressed.
I did not buy Massimo as a leader to his family and whatever business/Syndicate thing was going on. It was stated he would kill anyone who looked at him wrong, but that characterization did not match his actions. He wasn’t ruthless. He wasn’t perceptive. He wasn’t one step ahead of the enemy.
I was so, so, so annoyed by the other woman drama. Usually, I just roll my eyes and accept that it’s part of the story, but I absolutely despise when the FMC sees the MMC and OW together and ASSUMES that he’s cheating, despite him insisting he has not. I could forgive this if it happened once or twice, but I swear it happened constantly.
So many plot points were outrageous to the point of corniness, but I didn’t mind it because it kept my attention in these parts where other sections completely lost it.
For all my annoyances, I loved Massimo’s softening toward Emelia and journey to gaining her trust. Their relationship dynamic was perfect. If most of the conflict was internal, it would’ve worked so well for me.
I think this book could have benefited from being slightly shorter. As far as mafia romances go, it was good, but its plot wasn’t enough to make it standout as a favorite. I liked it enough to continue the series, but not enough to remember it.
POV dual / first person SPICE LEVEL 5 / 5 RATING 3 / 5
SPOILERS The Vlad Situation (view spoiler)[Vladimir “Vlad” Kuznetsov is the assassin who killed Tristan’s wife. They find out he is alive when he is captured on camera murdering one of their associates.
Emelia’s father sold her to Vlad for $30 million. Not as his wife, however, but to work in his brothel (against her will). He’s known to be brutal, and Emelia would’ve eventually died.
Well, when Emelia is forced to marry Massimo, Vlad feels that Massimo stole her from him, and he tries to kill him.
As for how he’s alive, well I have no idea, but he has a robot arm now because of it. (hide spoiler)]
Riccardo’s Plan (and Comeuppance for All) (view spoiler)[If a member in the Syndicate dies, their assets are split up amongst the rest of the members, so, theoretically, if there were only one surviving member, that member would get everything.
Well, our boy Ricky knows that if his theft against the Syndicate is revealed, he’s going to die, so, he enacts the plan to take them all out. He enlists help from the Circle of Shadows (who Vlad works for), another Secret Society that has enough power to take out the Syndicate.
As a member of the syndicate, Massimo’s father (and then Massimo once he took over) should have reported Riccardo the moment they found the evidence of what he’s done. Not doing so means death.
So, the main leader only knows of Riccardo’s plan to take over the rest of the syndicate, but not of his past embezzlement.
A meeting is called to talk to Riccardo before the Syndicate acts on anything, but Riccardo doesn’t show. Massimo hears ticking just before a bomb goes off. Riccardo comes in to kill Massimo, but Massimo’s father pushes him out of the way, taking a bullet for his son. He dies.
Here, Riccardo reveals that he killed Massimo’s mother and then takes Massimo prisoner in order to coerce Emelia into agreeing to the original contract with Vlad.
Emelia agrees to sign the contract, and Riccardo states that she was always going to be forced to sign. The original plan was she was going to go to Florence for art school and then her uncle was going to threaten to kill her if she didn’t sign the contract.
Just as things seem hopeless, Tristan (Massimo’s brother with the dead wife) shows up and stabs Vlad through his heart.
Riccardo grabs Emelia in an attempt to escape. He starts climbing up a rope for some reason, but it’s about to snap because it can’t carry both their weights. To save his life, he tries to cut the rope to drop Emelia. In comes our hero Massimo who knocks into Riccardo, making him fall to his death. Massimo catches Emelia, and they reunite. (hide spoiler)]
[REDACTED]’s Betrayal (view spoiler)[Massimo’s brother Andreas works with Riccardo because he was passed over in favor of Massimo.
Andreas reveals he is Riccardo’s son, and by working with Riccardo, he’ll get everything he believes was taken from him.
After Riccardo’s plan falls apart and Riccardo dies, Andreas tries to force Massimo to sign over his wealth. The two fight before Andreas accidentally shoots himself and dies. (hide spoiler)]
Other Things That Happened (view spoiler)[Emelia tried to escape with the rowboat when she saw Massimo and Gabriella together in his study. Gabriella got naked and sat on his lap. He rebuffed her advances too late and Emelia thought he’d been with her the whole time. She almost dies, but Massimo rescues her, just as another boat tries to capture her (Emelia called her father to let him know, and he promised he’d rescue her. She did not know of everything he’d done at this point).
Emelia’s friend Jacob is killed after he tried to stop Emelia’s wedding to Massimo. Massimo beats him for information, and then he releases him, but Jacob is then found dead. We later learn it was Riccardo who killed him.
Priscilla—Massimo’s former nanny and basically a mother figure to every other character—is killed by Andreas or Vlad (unsure which, as both were present and her death was off-page).
Massimo rips up the contract where he basically bought Emelia and gives her a paper to send her off to art school. She declines because she wants to be with him. They get remarried.
At the end of the novel, Massimo gets a letter saying Riccardo was only a pawn in a bigger game. As sole inheritor of the Syndicate, Massimo decides to reform and lead it. (hide spoiler)]...more
a marriage agreement between enemy groups to broker peace NEVER misses
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Ophelia Bishop (early to mid 20s) | Allerick (30) a marriage agreement between enemy groups to broker peace NEVER misses
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES Ophelia Bishop (early to mid 20s) | Allerick (30)
FEATURES ∘ paranormal romance (emotion-feeding, shadowesque people) ∘ arranged marriage ∘ royal mmc
REVIEW This is the first book in a long time I’ve woken up and needed to continue reading.
A grayscale world (re)gaining color is so fun, and I wish I encountered the situation more often. The history of the shadow realm was featured enough to be interesting without taking away from the developing relationship between Ophelia and Allerick.
Whether it be to inform the reader or to show how oblivious the characters were, some points were annoyingly heavy-handed. For example, Allerick thinks the sweet scent coming from Ophelia is fear, but from her point of view, we know it’s desire/lust. When Ophelia does actually feel fear, every Shade in the vicinity is like, “Ew, what is the sour scent? She literally just smelled so good. Whatever could be causing this disgusting scent? The other scent was just so much nicer.” Their conversation/reactions to it were unnatural and stilted.
I enjoyed the first three quarters of the book, but the ending was sort of rushed. I’d rather we didn’t get answers to certain questions (e.g. the history between Shades & Hunters) than just getting a quick sentence in the epilogue. Regardless, it had my attention and set up a world I’m eager to know more about, sooooo…can’t complain.
This book made me feel giddy and giggly. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, and nothing makes a good book better than no/low expectations.
OW/OM DRAMA not really OW — Meridia wants to be queen so badly she has tried to seduce Allerick but he is not interested and finds her actions embarrassing for her CHEATING none THIRD ACT BREAKUP sort of — misunderstandings and lack of communication makes Ophelia leave ENDING HEA — epilogue set in near future
POV dual / first person SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5 RATING 4 / 5...more
Every single character—barring Abriana—was a piece of garbage.
Ugly Beast (yeah, that’s what he is referred to as 90% of the time, and it does not getEvery single character—barring Abriana—was a piece of garbage.
Ugly Beast (yeah, that’s what he is referred to as 90% of the time, and it does not get any less ridiculous) tells Abriana that she doesn’t need to be perfect and meek anymore, that she is no longer under the control of her father.
And then he would get mad when she exercised any of that “freedom”. He consistently referred to her as his property, controlling her in every single way. Abriana is in the same exact situation as she was before except now she’s around people who have sex around her and is allowed to cook & clean. I just felt bad for her.
The way that women were talked about in this…I have not seen that much disrespect in a long time, and this genre is no stranger to sexism, so it was a lot. I understand that it’s the environment of the club, but for Ugly Beast to refer to them as “whores,” “sluts,” “cum dumps,” and “holes” yet was regularly having sex with them reeks of dangerous misogyny. I did not like that man at all.
The premise was interesting, and I love an ugly duckling story, but I could not look past the actions of some of the characters to enjoy it. That being said, aside from a few inconsistencies, the writing is strong, the characters are consistent, and the scenes are compelling. I was never bored and I will be reading the next one, sooooo I suppose I didn’t hate it.
How come after they incapacitate the bad guy, they never do anything to ensure he stays incapacitated?
Broken Whispers didn’t quite capture the magic How come after they incapacitate the bad guy, they never do anything to ensure he stays incapacitated?
Broken Whispers didn’t quite capture the magic the first one did. Mikhail intrigued me in Painted Scars. Bianca had the makings of an interesting character too. However, the characters’ pasts are more compelling than the present, but aside from quick mentions of what happened, it’s not really discussed. The characters had so much potential, but they didn’t do anything with it.
So many plotlines were left unresolved or were half-baked. Bianca’s sister never gets her comeuppance, her brother never makes an appearance, Mikhail’s daughter only seems to exist when it’s convenient (or inconvenient), and Bianca’s dancing never gets a full a story arc. The pieces were there for an interesting story, but instead, we get the same scenes of Bianca and Mikhail having the same conversation.
I enjoyed the story. I did. It had a lot of heartfelt moments and the romance was sweet (and plenty spicy). Maybe I would’ve liked it more if I had waited to read it. I don’t know.
This book lived up to the hype for me. Just a couple of idiots in love who deny their attraction to each other and think a three-year marriage of convThis book lived up to the hype for me. Just a couple of idiots in love who deny their attraction to each other and think a three-year marriage of convenience won’t deepen it, and I LOVE IT.
Luca and Valentina have been at each other’s throats since she started working for him eight years ago. At some point, their dislike turned into a friendship neither of them acknowledge until Luca kisses her, confusing both of them.
The Temporary Wife has so many cute moments that had me squealing. I loved their antagonistic banter, their idiotic denial of their feelings, and their confessions. There’s also a point where Luca makes Valentina his phone background, and right then, I forgave him for all his past transgressions.
The characters have insecurities and traumas from past relationships, but it was frustrating to watch them have the same conversation a million times. They’d reassure each other they weren’t attracted to anyone and then the next page it would be like, “they’re talking to their ex.” The first two times the jealousy over it was fun (in a guilty pleasure kind of way), but after that, it was old.
The last 85 pages before the epilogue were insufferable. The relationship conflict was ridiculous and the fallout with the family was even more ridiculous. Both of these characters need to limit contact with their families (mainly parents/grandparents) because they were exhausting, toxic, and manipulative too much. Most of the side-characters were interesting and likable, with moments of support and interesting plots of their own. I adored Abuela and Luca’s relationship so much.
My heart was shattered by this novel. It captured my attention, breaking the reading rut I’ve been in. I adore it just for that. This was my first time reading a book by Catharina Maura, but it will not be my last.
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