bookishlynomes's review against another edition
5.0
Dynamic writing duo Natasha Knight and A Zavarelli have done it again! Both of these writers are absolutely brilliant in their own right but together they make magic and I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series continues.
Requiem of the Soul toes the line in dark, mafia romance. It's main premise is about a secret society of wealthy, dark, influential families. Within the society, there are also levels and depending which level each family is on relates to how deep into the society they are and what they're able to get away with. In this regard, and the gender-based rules within the society (i.e. men in charge, women to be sexually limited and treated as property to be married off, etc), it is along the same lines as your usual mafia romances.
This story is beautifully written with a dangerous plot full of mysterious and intrigue, and complex characters that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. Being the first book in a trilogy, there is obviously still so much more to discover; and honestly, my head is already in a spin with all the devious and highly suspicious people that could be behind half the stuff going on!
So far, I think the only two people I know that I like are the hero and heroine, and mainly because I like how their differences balance one another and I know they'll get their happily ever after in the end. The rest of the characters have me second guessing my feelings towards them because their actions really could have them going either way: friend or foe? And, that concept is incredibly refreshing from what I've been reading lately. I have my hopes for a few of the side characters to have their own spin-off series; but again, those hopes could totally change depending on books 2 and 3 in this series!
I won't go into too much information regarding the storyline because its definitely one you'll want to experience for yourself. But if you enjoy mafia romances and/or dark romances with the enemies to lovers/opposites attract trope, you'll love this one! Knight and Zavarelli are incredible writers and have created a really well-executed and detailed storyline about a secret society and the lengths people within the families will go to for their own means. Requiem of the Soul beautifully balances action, suspense, revenge-plotting, romance, and devious characters in a storyline that will hook you in from the first page. But be warned, it's the first book in a trilogy and does end on a huge cliffhanger so prepare yourself for anxiously (and impatiently) awaiting the next book!
Disclaimer: Thank you to the authors and Candi Kane PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Requiem of the Soul toes the line in dark, mafia romance. It's main premise is about a secret society of wealthy, dark, influential families. Within the society, there are also levels and depending which level each family is on relates to how deep into the society they are and what they're able to get away with. In this regard, and the gender-based rules within the society (i.e. men in charge, women to be sexually limited and treated as property to be married off, etc), it is along the same lines as your usual mafia romances.
This story is beautifully written with a dangerous plot full of mysterious and intrigue, and complex characters that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. Being the first book in a trilogy, there is obviously still so much more to discover; and honestly, my head is already in a spin with all the devious and highly suspicious people that could be behind half the stuff going on!
So far, I think the only two people I know that I like are the hero and heroine, and mainly because I like how their differences balance one another and I know they'll get their happily ever after in the end. The rest of the characters have me second guessing my feelings towards them because their actions really could have them going either way: friend or foe? And, that concept is incredibly refreshing from what I've been reading lately. I have my hopes for a few of the side characters to have their own spin-off series; but again, those hopes could totally change depending on books 2 and 3 in this series!
I won't go into too much information regarding the storyline because its definitely one you'll want to experience for yourself. But if you enjoy mafia romances and/or dark romances with the enemies to lovers/opposites attract trope, you'll love this one! Knight and Zavarelli are incredible writers and have created a really well-executed and detailed storyline about a secret society and the lengths people within the families will go to for their own means. Requiem of the Soul beautifully balances action, suspense, revenge-plotting, romance, and devious characters in a storyline that will hook you in from the first page. But be warned, it's the first book in a trilogy and does end on a huge cliffhanger so prepare yourself for anxiously (and impatiently) awaiting the next book!
Disclaimer: Thank you to the authors and Candi Kane PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
annica_reads_books's review
4.0
Wow. It’s rare for me to come across a dark mafia that checks all of my boxes, or most of them. A dark mafia romance with arranged marriage tropes, beauty and the beast vibes with a deformed MMC in an old, dark, Southern gothic mansion in the heart of New Orleans? A physically deformed and ailed FMC? The book ending on a cliffhanger making me need to jump into book two? Secret societies? Sign me up. I ate this book up like my last meal on death row. Onto book 2! My full review for this trilogy will be on the last book in the series.
earthtonadia's review
4.0
This was your typical “her family was involved in the deaths of my family so I’ll marry her and make her pay” story. Santiago and his sister have so much hatred towards the Morenos, I don’t know how Ivy will last with them.
Santiago keeps her locked in her room and comes to her when he pleases, and poor Ivy still doesn’t understand why he hates her so much. I feel like he should’ve at least told her why, but I guess he can’t afford her even that courtesy.
I didn’t really connect with either of them yet, but hopefully that will change in the next book.
Santiago keeps her locked in her room and comes to her when he pleases, and poor Ivy still doesn’t understand why he hates her so much. I feel like he should’ve at least told her why, but I guess he can’t afford her even that courtesy.
I didn’t really connect with either of them yet, but hopefully that will change in the next book.
kfriend's review
4.0
Oh, I am intrigued. More than intrigued- because Requiem of the Soul is a consuming and addictive dark and delicious story. Vengeance, complicated characters, emotional turbulence, and arranged marriages, violence, and seemingly unending secrets- this is everything I love about dark romance and that I love about this writing duo.
Our heroine Ivy is no longer sheltered from the dark workings of the Society now that her father is in a coma- leaving her ruthless, cruel brother at the helm of their family. His power mongering, and her families lower status in the Society, leave her at the mercy of powerful and merciless men- the most dangerous of whom is Santiago De La Rosa, a once family friend now enemy. And Ivy has now become a casualty in his vendetta- his unwilling bride.Ivy wonders if perhaps Santiago is better than her brother’s cruelty- she’s given up the quest for true safety long ago. Is he the monster everyone says he is? And will that monster, set on breaking and destroying innocent Ivy, truly sacrifice her in the name of revenge?
I just live for this kind of story- and NK and AZ do this trope so well. Santiago is such a unique and captivating anti-hero- I was enthralled by his darkness. From his appearance to his backstory to his tortured and conflicted intentions- we both relish the tiny slivers of softness and care we see in him but we’re also consumed by his darkness, his ruthless and merciless control over Ivy. NK and AZ give him such a unique and complex charisma- and I feel like we’ve only just begun to see the nuances of his soul. His brokenness is so beautifully and subtly articulated- these authors so artfully give him dimension even though we don’t yet know his full self. But I am a total goner for the uniquely riveting villain- I want him to destroy me, too.
For his dark and tortured heart, we have Ivy’s light. She’s the classic soft but solid marifa heroine that I love. She’s gentle, she’s selfless and kind. Brutalized by the machinations of a corrupt and resourceful man, she’s just trying to survive and protect her family. And survive she does- while also holding onto her sense of self. She’s resilient and resourceful - and while there is gentle resolve to her, she also has some spine- a fiery defiance that Santiago catalyzes in her. She’s a woman yet to come into her full power- but she’s starting to recognize how to reclaim it. Her selflessness and gentleness speak to me- and something about her calls to our anti-hero too- as much as he resists her thrall.
And oh my is their chemistry tumultuous and volatile- we get some much frenetic romantic tension between them, and some deliciously erotic steam as well. These two are nothing sort of combustible- and as her kindness spills out on Santiago and his protectiveness starts to kick in, oh man was I swooning for these two, even if their connection is still tainted, even if there is a perversion to Santiago’s intentions.
This story is packed with intrigue, suspense, twists and turns as we discover not only are there nuances to these characters but that there is much complexity to the dark, violent society world they are both living in. Action, danger, violence awaits- and just when I found my bearings, new secrets and new players entered the fold. Our story is a heart pounding crescendo- slow, deliberately anticipatory, spiraling into a rapid paced, jaw dropping finale and a shocking and brutal cliffies that has me desperate for more of this series! Bring on book 2- I need it yesterday!
>4.5 stars<
Our heroine Ivy is no longer sheltered from the dark workings of the Society now that her father is in a coma- leaving her ruthless, cruel brother at the helm of their family. His power mongering, and her families lower status in the Society, leave her at the mercy of powerful and merciless men- the most dangerous of whom is Santiago De La Rosa, a once family friend now enemy. And Ivy has now become a casualty in his vendetta- his unwilling bride.Ivy wonders if perhaps Santiago is better than her brother’s cruelty- she’s given up the quest for true safety long ago. Is he the monster everyone says he is? And will that monster, set on breaking and destroying innocent Ivy, truly sacrifice her in the name of revenge?
I just live for this kind of story- and NK and AZ do this trope so well. Santiago is such a unique and captivating anti-hero- I was enthralled by his darkness. From his appearance to his backstory to his tortured and conflicted intentions- we both relish the tiny slivers of softness and care we see in him but we’re also consumed by his darkness, his ruthless and merciless control over Ivy. NK and AZ give him such a unique and complex charisma- and I feel like we’ve only just begun to see the nuances of his soul. His brokenness is so beautifully and subtly articulated- these authors so artfully give him dimension even though we don’t yet know his full self. But I am a total goner for the uniquely riveting villain- I want him to destroy me, too.
For his dark and tortured heart, we have Ivy’s light. She’s the classic soft but solid marifa heroine that I love. She’s gentle, she’s selfless and kind. Brutalized by the machinations of a corrupt and resourceful man, she’s just trying to survive and protect her family. And survive she does- while also holding onto her sense of self. She’s resilient and resourceful - and while there is gentle resolve to her, she also has some spine- a fiery defiance that Santiago catalyzes in her. She’s a woman yet to come into her full power- but she’s starting to recognize how to reclaim it. Her selflessness and gentleness speak to me- and something about her calls to our anti-hero too- as much as he resists her thrall.
And oh my is their chemistry tumultuous and volatile- we get some much frenetic romantic tension between them, and some deliciously erotic steam as well. These two are nothing sort of combustible- and as her kindness spills out on Santiago and his protectiveness starts to kick in, oh man was I swooning for these two, even if their connection is still tainted, even if there is a perversion to Santiago’s intentions.
This story is packed with intrigue, suspense, twists and turns as we discover not only are there nuances to these characters but that there is much complexity to the dark, violent society world they are both living in. Action, danger, violence awaits- and just when I found my bearings, new secrets and new players entered the fold. Our story is a heart pounding crescendo- slow, deliberately anticipatory, spiraling into a rapid paced, jaw dropping finale and a shocking and brutal cliffies that has me desperate for more of this series! Bring on book 2- I need it yesterday!
>4.5 stars<
kfriend's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, I am intrigued. More than intrigued- because Requiem of the Soul is a consuming and addictive dark and delicious story. Vengeance, complicated characters, emotional turbulence, and arranged marriages, violence, and seemingly unending secrets- this is everything I love about dark romance and that I love about this writing duo.
Our heroine Ivy is no longer sheltered from the dark workings of the Society now that her father is in a coma- leaving her ruthless, cruel brother at the helm of their family. His power mongering, and her families lower status in the Society, leave her at the mercy of powerful and merciless men- the most dangerous of whom is Santiago De La Rosa, a once family friend now enemy. And Ivy has now become a casualty in his vendetta- his unwilling bride.Ivy wonders if perhaps Santiago is better than her brother’s cruelty- she’s given up the quest for true safety long ago. Is he the monster everyone says he is? And will that monster, set on breaking and destroying innocent Ivy, truly sacrifice her in the name of revenge?
I just live for this kind of story- and NK and AZ do this trope so well. Santiago is such a unique and captivating anti-hero- I was enthralled by his darkness. From his appearance to his backstory to his tortured and conflicted intentions- we both relish the tiny slivers of softness and care we see in him but we’re also consumed by his darkness, his ruthless and merciless control over Ivy. NK and AZ give him such a unique and complex charisma- and I feel like we’ve only just begun to see the nuances of his soul. His brokenness is so beautifully and subtly articulated- these authors so artfully give him dimension even though we don’t yet know his full self. But I am a total goner for the uniquely riveting villain- I want him to destroy me, too.
For his dark and tortured heart, we have Ivy’s light. She’s the classic soft but solid marifa heroine that I love. She’s gentle, she’s selfless and kind. Brutalized by the machinations of a corrupt and resourceful man, she’s just trying to survive and protect her family. And survive she does- while also holding onto her sense of self. She’s resilient and resourceful - and while there is gentle resolve to her, she also has some spine- a fiery defiance that Santiago catalyzes in her. She’s a woman yet to come into her full power- but she’s starting to recognize how to reclaim it. Her selflessness and gentleness speak to me- and something about her calls to our anti-hero too- as much as he resists her thrall.
And oh my is their chemistry tumultuous and volatile- we get some much frenetic romantic tension between them, and some deliciously erotic steam as well. These two are nothing sort of combustible- and as her kindness spills out on Santiago and his protectiveness starts to kick in, oh man was I swooning for these two, even if their connection is still tainted, even if there is a perversion to Santiago’s intentions.
This story is packed with intrigue, suspense, twists and turns as we discover not only are there nuances to these characters but that there is much complexity to the dark, violent society world they are both living in. Action, danger, violence awaits- and just when I found my bearings, new secrets and new players entered the fold. Our story is a heart pounding crescendo- slow, deliberately anticipatory, spiraling into a rapid paced, jaw dropping finale and a shocking and brutal cliffies that has me desperate for more of this series! Bring on book 2- I need it yesterday!
>4.5 stars<
Our heroine Ivy is no longer sheltered from the dark workings of the Society now that her father is in a coma- leaving her ruthless, cruel brother at the helm of their family. His power mongering, and her families lower status in the Society, leave her at the mercy of powerful and merciless men- the most dangerous of whom is Santiago De La Rosa, a once family friend now enemy. And Ivy has now become a casualty in his vendetta- his unwilling bride.Ivy wonders if perhaps Santiago is better than her brother’s cruelty- she’s given up the quest for true safety long ago. Is he the monster everyone says he is? And will that monster, set on breaking and destroying innocent Ivy, truly sacrifice her in the name of revenge?
I just live for this kind of story- and NK and AZ do this trope so well. Santiago is such a unique and captivating anti-hero- I was enthralled by his darkness. From his appearance to his backstory to his tortured and conflicted intentions- we both relish the tiny slivers of softness and care we see in him but we’re also consumed by his darkness, his ruthless and merciless control over Ivy. NK and AZ give him such a unique and complex charisma- and I feel like we’ve only just begun to see the nuances of his soul. His brokenness is so beautifully and subtly articulated- these authors so artfully give him dimension even though we don’t yet know his full self. But I am a total goner for the uniquely riveting villain- I want him to destroy me, too.
For his dark and tortured heart, we have Ivy’s light. She’s the classic soft but solid marifa heroine that I love. She’s gentle, she’s selfless and kind. Brutalized by the machinations of a corrupt and resourceful man, she’s just trying to survive and protect her family. And survive she does- while also holding onto her sense of self. She’s resilient and resourceful - and while there is gentle resolve to her, she also has some spine- a fiery defiance that Santiago catalyzes in her. She’s a woman yet to come into her full power- but she’s starting to recognize how to reclaim it. Her selflessness and gentleness speak to me- and something about her calls to our anti-hero too- as much as he resists her thrall.
And oh my is their chemistry tumultuous and volatile- we get some much frenetic romantic tension between them, and some deliciously erotic steam as well. These two are nothing sort of combustible- and as her kindness spills out on Santiago and his protectiveness starts to kick in, oh man was I swooning for these two, even if their connection is still tainted, even if there is a perversion to Santiago’s intentions.
This story is packed with intrigue, suspense, twists and turns as we discover not only are there nuances to these characters but that there is much complexity to the dark, violent society world they are both living in. Action, danger, violence awaits- and just when I found my bearings, new secrets and new players entered the fold. Our story is a heart pounding crescendo- slow, deliberately anticipatory, spiraling into a rapid paced, jaw dropping finale and a shocking and brutal cliffies that has me desperate for more of this series! Bring on book 2- I need it yesterday!
>4.5 stars<
grilledchiz's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
cj_454's review against another edition
4.0
This starts with Santiago taking Ivy as his wife. He is so angry and bitter and wants revenge against Ivy and her family.
Really strong start to the story and everything flows really well. For me, this had Beauty and the Beast vibes - but with a twist.
Santiago does not hold back and he is focused on breaking Ivy. There were times that I thought he may go too far, but this is written in a way that you second guess whether it is too far or acceptable. Ivy is a strong character so she is determined not to let him break her.
Really good start to this trilogy, I cannot wait to read the next books in the series
Really strong start to the story and everything flows really well. For me, this had Beauty and the Beast vibes - but with a twist.
Santiago does not hold back and he is focused on breaking Ivy. There were times that I thought he may go too far, but this is written in a way that you second guess whether it is too far or acceptable. Ivy is a strong character so she is determined not to let him break her.
Really good start to this trilogy, I cannot wait to read the next books in the series
dpcorcoran's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars!! I started listening to the audio book and it was awful, I didn’t like the voice actors at all. So I have to switch to the kindle version and then it got much better. I was hooked after getting over the first slump in the beginning. Going to start reading the 2nd book now!
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
3.0
This was way too intense for me and not in a good way. I love a good toxic relationship in general and a cold, heartless hero in particular as much as the next person, but I just can't accept when there's physical abuse towards the heroine. Santiago loved to humilitate Ivy and show her he was the fucking boss. There was never a moment when I felt they were equals. I was tired by the end of it all. I just decided to continue with the series because I am perversely curious to know what'll happen next.
smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
4.0
This was a a great read! It gave me lots of beauty and the beast vibes.