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virgo_reader's review against another edition
3.0
This book is right up my alleyā¦ it features a tortured hero singularly obsessed with a heroine, which is my catnip. But I felt this book was missing something.
I skipped book 1 so maybe that was an issue - but I do think standalone books need to be able to STAND alone on their own. We jumped into chapter 1 with the main character, Sasha, getting picked up by Blaine - an abusive boyfriend who works in the mafia. She works at a strip club. Thereās a few abstract references to a guy watching her, who turned out to be Ronan. I was confused, because I didnāt realize Ronan = Reaper.
I think there had to just be a few paragraphs introducing the characters/concept for people who didnāt read book 1. We got a full monologue summary of the events from book 1 between Lachlan/Mack so Iām not sure why we couldnāt get a bit more set up of the hero/heroine.
The heroineās mother is dying, her sister is on scholarship in Californiaā¦ sheās feeling alone. Unprotected. Sheās also being abused and blackmailed by a different guy in the mafia. Basically, she has a lot to deal with.
Ronan is complex. His backstory was devastating. I completely understand him being traumatized because of his past and being stunted in some areas, but I would have hoped Lachlan wouldāve tried to get him help? I know he isnāt really one for therapy but he clearly knows how to mirror people - so why couldnāt he get a bit more helpā¦ I donāt know, maybe Iām being unfair.
Ultimately, the seeds were there but I was missing a true emotional connection between the two of them. The physical aspect was there. The obsession was there. There were some really sweet moments - like him blushing when she talks to him, him being unable to talk to her most of the time, his embarrassment at her finding his secret stashā¦ but they never really TALKED. About her motherās death. About her abuse by ex-boyfriends. About his past. I feel like everything missing from this book was in Souls Unfractured by Tillie Cole.
CW: domestic abuse, blackmail, sexual assault (nothing done by her hero to heroine, but by others to heroine), child abuse (past) / torture / brainwashing, child molestation (attempted? past), violence / torture / murder, rape and torture (not to heroine)
I skipped book 1 so maybe that was an issue - but I do think standalone books need to be able to STAND alone on their own. We jumped into chapter 1 with the main character, Sasha, getting picked up by Blaine - an abusive boyfriend who works in the mafia. She works at a strip club. Thereās a few abstract references to a guy watching her, who turned out to be Ronan. I was confused, because I didnāt realize Ronan = Reaper.
I think there had to just be a few paragraphs introducing the characters/concept for people who didnāt read book 1. We got a full monologue summary of the events from book 1 between Lachlan/Mack so Iām not sure why we couldnāt get a bit more set up of the hero/heroine.
The heroineās mother is dying, her sister is on scholarship in Californiaā¦ sheās feeling alone. Unprotected. Sheās also being abused and blackmailed by a different guy in the mafia. Basically, she has a lot to deal with.
Ronan is complex. His backstory was devastating. I completely understand him being traumatized because of his past and being stunted in some areas, but I would have hoped Lachlan wouldāve tried to get him help? I know he isnāt really one for therapy but he clearly knows how to mirror people - so why couldnāt he get a bit more helpā¦ I donāt know, maybe Iām being unfair.
Ultimately, the seeds were there but I was missing a true emotional connection between the two of them. The physical aspect was there. The obsession was there. There were some really sweet moments - like him blushing when she talks to him, him being unable to talk to her most of the time, his embarrassment at her finding his secret stashā¦ but they never really TALKED. About her motherās death. About her abuse by ex-boyfriends. About his past. I feel like everything missing from this book was in Souls Unfractured by Tillie Cole.
CW: domestic abuse, blackmail, sexual assault (nothing done by her hero to heroine, but by others to heroine), child abuse (past) / torture / brainwashing, child molestation (attempted? past), violence / torture / murder, rape and torture (not to heroine)
imlisaok's review against another edition
5.0
6+ stars!
I will never be able to adequately describe my love for Ronan!
Gah. I am drowning in a pool of feels. This book was everything I could have asked for in a sequel.
I will never be able to adequately describe my love for Ronan!
Gah. I am drowning in a pool of feels. This book was everything I could have asked for in a sequel.
tartbarbie's review against another edition
5.0
I received Reaper in return for an honest review from the author. Reaper is the 2nd installment in the Boston Underworld which tells the story of Sasha and Ronan who have spent the last couple years with a secret each attempting to protect the other. Sasha has issues she was forced to make money to take care of her little sister and her momās health was failing so when the job to strip came knocking she couldnāt pass it up. Two years ago things were bad she was dating a guy who at first was great but quickly revealed his true side as an abusive boyfriend who threatened her sister. When one night heās abusing her everything changed, Ronin seeās whatās happening and saves Sasha.
Itās been two years since Sashaās life changed but it didnāt instantly go for the best instead she was blackmailed by Donny into being his girl but she never stopped thinking about Ronan the silent guy who saved her but never speaks to her. Sasha watches as Ronan does his work on Donny saving her from yet another abusive relationship but itās just one of many issues that Sasha has going on in her life. Her mother is on her death bed and her sister doesnāt understand why she wonāt just walk away. Ronan is one of the killers in the syndicate known as the Reaper with a tragic past. Together they find what they are both missing in their lives and a whirlwind romance.
I like Sasha because she did what she needed to do to protect the ones she loves even if they donāt understand. I donāt even know where to begin with Ronan other than I adore him and the more I learned about his tragic upbringing the more I was sure he was perfect for Sasha. I love the way that they complement each other and how accepting of him she is. I admit Iām not a fan of insta love but this really isnāt your typical insta love story itās so much more. I loved both characters they stole my heart.
I admit I didnāt read the first in the series because itās a standalone within a series so all the characters are new to me. This is also my first novel with the mafia concept which I found fascinating to catch a glimpse into a world I donāt know much about. Reaper is an emotional that captures the heartstrings tugging on them all through the whole story leaving me with happy tears. I loved the sweet romance between Sasha and Ronan it was perfect considering the world that they live in. I love the character even the supporting characters which I can tell are from the prior book they just felt so real. Sasha and Ronan are have wormed their way into my heart as one of my new favorite couples. The story is beautifully written the authorās an amazing storyteller she captured my heart as well as my imagination. This is my first novel by the author but I know it wonāt be my last Iāve become a fan and canāt wait to read more of her books. I highly recommend you check out Reaper itās going to be a book hanger that will be tough to get over.
Itās been two years since Sashaās life changed but it didnāt instantly go for the best instead she was blackmailed by Donny into being his girl but she never stopped thinking about Ronan the silent guy who saved her but never speaks to her. Sasha watches as Ronan does his work on Donny saving her from yet another abusive relationship but itās just one of many issues that Sasha has going on in her life. Her mother is on her death bed and her sister doesnāt understand why she wonāt just walk away. Ronan is one of the killers in the syndicate known as the Reaper with a tragic past. Together they find what they are both missing in their lives and a whirlwind romance.
I like Sasha because she did what she needed to do to protect the ones she loves even if they donāt understand. I donāt even know where to begin with Ronan other than I adore him and the more I learned about his tragic upbringing the more I was sure he was perfect for Sasha. I love the way that they complement each other and how accepting of him she is. I admit Iām not a fan of insta love but this really isnāt your typical insta love story itās so much more. I loved both characters they stole my heart.
I admit I didnāt read the first in the series because itās a standalone within a series so all the characters are new to me. This is also my first novel with the mafia concept which I found fascinating to catch a glimpse into a world I donāt know much about. Reaper is an emotional that captures the heartstrings tugging on them all through the whole story leaving me with happy tears. I loved the sweet romance between Sasha and Ronan it was perfect considering the world that they live in. I love the character even the supporting characters which I can tell are from the prior book they just felt so real. Sasha and Ronan are have wormed their way into my heart as one of my new favorite couples. The story is beautifully written the authorās an amazing storyteller she captured my heart as well as my imagination. This is my first novel by the author but I know it wonāt be my last Iāve become a fan and canāt wait to read more of her books. I highly recommend you check out Reaper itās going to be a book hanger that will be tough to get over.
mooncricketjp's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it
I didn't want to put this down. Ronan and Sasha. Loved them. I can't wait for more of the series.
I didn't want to put this down. Ronan and Sasha. Loved them. I can't wait for more of the series.
aschae's review against another edition
5.0
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review...Another FABULOUS book in the Boston Underworld Series!! I was hooked immediately reading Crow and Reaper was no different.. Once day read, didn't want to put it down!? SO much more than just a love story, this series/book is packed with everything from hardcore Mafia dealings, torture and revenge, to scenes that had me bawling in happy tears. Some people are just meant to be together and everything falls into place. That is how I would describe Ronan and Sasha... Two very "different" people who are immediately bonded on some unseen level. They calm and comfort one another like no else has or can, they understand just what the other needs, without pushing. It's beautiful really... Ronan, that quiet misunderstood man we first met in Crow, has finally shed some of his protective layers and, for lack of a better word, blossomed into the man we now see. A man with a purpose and a plan.. To do everything in his power to protect the woman he loves. This book was absolutely incredible- LOVING this series!!! I cringed at the violence, cried my happy tears and surely got a good laugh with some of these guys and their comments.. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend book / author & series!!!
cook_read_repeat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hanna0103's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.5
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