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katiebella_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2⭐️
As a child, she was kidnapped, raped, and left for dead. As an adult, she is out for vengeance against those who hurt her and those who failed to save her.
As a boy, he was kidnapped and forced to listen to the little girl in the room next to him being hurt. He thought she had died. As a man, he has sworn to destroy those who facilitated her death.
My Thoughts
The opening chapter of this book is DARK. I don't think I was mentally prepared for just how dark. Check your triggers. The chapter is the attempted rape and murder of a child. It doesn't go into detail, but you know it is happening. You also know this isn't the first time.
The book graphics are gorgeous. I couldn't get enough of them. Every chapters first page was black overlayed with a grey picture and white words. Whoever they used as a male photo model looked like a young Chris Pratt. By the end, I was seeing his face as Sev ( the MMC POV)
The romance was underwhelming and predictable. He walks into a bakery, steadying her from falling, and surprise, she is practically drooling at his hotness! The instant attraction diminishes the build-up and angst I've come to expect from a dark romance. It was sort of a turn-off.
It's smutty. I'll give the book that. The problem is the sex scenes feel like they are written by a man who doesn't quite understand how a woman's body works. This would be bearable if it HAD been written by a man. It's written by a woman FOR women. She should know better or have at least read more spice before trying to write it. It made me uncomfortable to read. The author has a weird obsession with nipples.
You can tell the author is self-published and unpolished. It's a dark mafia romance, wrapped up in a Sweeny Todd/Hamlet/Medusa rewrite. I had such high hopes for it, but it feels like a "booktok made me buy it" regret.
The "Sweeny Todd" rewrite part is basically he's a barber who murders with a razor, and she's a baker. The "Medusa" rewrite is basically a scorned woman's vengeance. The "Hamlet" is he's after his uncle for the murder of his father. This isn't so much a rewrite as a play on themes. Easy to spot in the first few chapters.
It's not well written and way too long. It feels more like fanfiction or wattpad. The characters are fleshed out and likable, but their speech...... no one talks like that. It's the way a teen in middle school would write a story. The whole thing is disjointed. I had to constantly reread sentences to make them make sense.
The Tale had just enough plot to keep me reading, but it felt more like I hate read it just to find out what happened.
The ending was lackluster and anticlimactic. I wish I had saved my time and money on this one.
As a child, she was kidnapped, raped, and left for dead. As an adult, she is out for vengeance against those who hurt her and those who failed to save her.
As a boy, he was kidnapped and forced to listen to the little girl in the room next to him being hurt. He thought she had died. As a man, he has sworn to destroy those who facilitated her death.
My Thoughts
The opening chapter of this book is DARK. I don't think I was mentally prepared for just how dark. Check your triggers. The chapter is the attempted rape and murder of a child. It doesn't go into detail, but you know it is happening. You also know this isn't the first time.
The book graphics are gorgeous. I couldn't get enough of them. Every chapters first page was black overlayed with a grey picture and white words. Whoever they used as a male photo model looked like a young Chris Pratt. By the end, I was seeing his face as Sev ( the MMC POV)
The romance was underwhelming and predictable. He walks into a bakery, steadying her from falling, and surprise, she is practically drooling at his hotness! The instant attraction diminishes the build-up and angst I've come to expect from a dark romance. It was sort of a turn-off.
It's smutty. I'll give the book that. The problem is the sex scenes feel like they are written by a man who doesn't quite understand how a woman's body works. This would be bearable if it HAD been written by a man. It's written by a woman FOR women. She should know better or have at least read more spice before trying to write it. It made me uncomfortable to read. The author has a weird obsession with nipples.
You can tell the author is self-published and unpolished. It's a dark mafia romance, wrapped up in a Sweeny Todd/Hamlet/Medusa rewrite. I had such high hopes for it, but it feels like a "booktok made me buy it" regret.
The "Sweeny Todd" rewrite part is basically he's a barber who murders with a razor, and she's a baker. The "Medusa" rewrite is basically a scorned woman's vengeance. The "Hamlet" is he's after his uncle for the murder of his father. This isn't so much a rewrite as a play on themes. Easy to spot in the first few chapters.
It's not well written and way too long. It feels more like fanfiction or wattpad. The characters are fleshed out and likable, but their speech...... no one talks like that. It's the way a teen in middle school would write a story. The whole thing is disjointed. I had to constantly reread sentences to make them make sense.
The Tale had just enough plot to keep me reading, but it felt more like I hate read it just to find out what happened.
The ending was lackluster and anticlimactic. I wish I had saved my time and money on this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
hanreadssbooks's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Car accident, and Pregnancy
justine_jvn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault and Kidnapping
laylareadsthings's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
LOVE Sev and Talia. Dreadful might be my favorite from the Tattered Curtain series. Really nice mix of plot and character development, everything is woven together organically and I never felt like the story stalled. The romance was angsty and deep and so lovely (and a little psycho!) once they finally get together. If you’ve read Rouge, there are some moments in this you’ll appreciate nods to. The story unfolded at a strong pace, twists and turns were believable and character motivations stayed true. This is definitely the most dark and depraved TC book, but also the most emotional. I finished this in one sitting - which is really the highest praise I can give!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual assault, Torture, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
dharshi_1's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
🌷 Book 3 in the Tattered Curtain series 🌷
⚕️This is the retelling of Medusa Sweeney Todd ⚕️
○This is the first time I read her book and I never disappoint 😃. This is the story of Talia and Severino both having a traumatic past and seeking revenge. Their worlds are interconnected by a hidden identity. How will they overcome their devils from the past ? How did they seek revenge? Will the haunting dreams let them sleep peacefully?
○ I love the Talia's character . She is a strong girl , her character has different layers and finally she is the survivor.
○ Sever has the guilt over the years because he can't save the one who is helping him . But when He and Talia cross paths each other he doesn't have the nightmares ✨. He is obsessed with her
○ Both loves the Tattoos . And obsessed with the tulips 🌷
○He gives the nickname for her "VIPERA" 🤭🤭
○Both having the same style of 🔪🩸
○I hate the character of Trudy for her behaviour she is nothing but a gold digger 😡... And Claudie for being the traitor 🔪
○ If you love the dark , mafia romance read this book.
Tropes :
Dark , Mafia , Soulmates , Who did this to you ? , Revenge 😈, Retelling
⚕️This is the retelling of Medusa Sweeney Todd ⚕️
○This is the first time I read her book and I never disappoint 😃. This is the story of Talia and Severino both having a traumatic past and seeking revenge. Their worlds are interconnected by a hidden identity. How will they overcome their devils from the past ? How did they seek revenge? Will the haunting dreams let them sleep peacefully?
○ I love the Talia's character . She is a strong girl , her character has different layers and finally she is the survivor.
○ Sever has the guilt over the years because he can't save the one who is helping him . But when He and Talia cross paths each other he doesn't have the nightmares ✨. He is obsessed with her
○ Both loves the Tattoos . And obsessed with the tulips 🌷
○He gives the nickname for her "VIPERA" 🤭🤭
○Both having the same style of 🔪🩸
○I hate the character of Trudy for her behaviour she is nothing but a gold digger 😡... And Claudie for being the traitor 🔪
○ If you love the dark , mafia romance read this book.
Tropes :
Dark , Mafia , Soulmates , Who did this to you ? , Revenge 😈, Retelling
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
paytonbox21's review
5.0
After reading the second book of this series last Spring, I knew I wanted to continue with this series! A good dark romance every month or so is perfect for me, this isn’t my favorite type of romance books, but I love when they are done right!
Sev and Tallie’s connection is a great way to begin this story, you see a lot of their trauma up front, and then get to watch them connect the dots as the story goes on! The revenge plot of this book was handled really well and kept the suspense of the book going!
This book has a lot of triggers and I’d recommend looking them up before reading! This book was maybe a little too dark for me, but it didn’t change my rating as I knew what I was getting into!
Sev and Tallie’s connection is a great way to begin this story, you see a lot of their trauma up front, and then get to watch them connect the dots as the story goes on! The revenge plot of this book was handled really well and kept the suspense of the book going!
This book has a lot of triggers and I’d recommend looking them up before reading! This book was maybe a little too dark for me, but it didn’t change my rating as I knew what I was getting into!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Torture, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual assault
jaynellewags's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.5
Thank you to the author for a eARC of this book. I was so excited when I was asked if I wanted an early copy to review... yes, yes I do.
Rating: 4.5
CW- there are quite a few since this is a dark romance so please check those for this book
Tropes: Revenge, hidden identity, mafia, enemies to lovers, morally grey MMC/FMC
This has components of Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, and Medusa woven throughout the story.
I have enjoyed the first two books in this series so much, and this one did not disappoint. Greer does such a good job of adding in easter eggs from the musicals and giving us little twists. Sweeney Todd is one of my favorite musicals... actually all three books are my top three musicals... so I really enjoy those aspects of the story. Mafia romances are one of my favorite romance books because I love me a morally grey MC- bonus points if both of the main characters are like that.
Talia wants revenge on the Family that has wronged her, and Sever wants revenge on his Family that has wronged him.
The book starts out in a flash back that hurt my soul and made me want to take revenge on some book characters... but I won't spoil it for you. We then flash forward to present day where Talia works as a costume designer and at her grandparents bakery. Sever is a guard dog for his uncle who is the local boss.
One day Sever wants to make his cousin happy so he goes to the local bakery that makes pistachio cannoli's and he sees her, Talia. He is immediately obsessed and starts using the CCTV in the North End to keep track of her.
Thoughts:
I loved every minute of this book. The back and forth between Talia and Sever... like will she kill him, will she not was entertaining for me. I enjoyed all the easter eggs from Sweeney Todd- it is one of my favorite's.
The scene with Percy and Sever... while very dark was perfect for the situation that had occurred. So many people get away with doing whatever they want, and morally grey, slightly unhinged MMC's get to enact the revenge I am sure so many people wish they could.
Talia's grandparents were so sweet and cute. I loved how much they cared for her and their relationship with each other was one of the sweetest things in the book.
Sever wanting to protect Talia but also respecting that she was strong enough to defend herself was something that added a lot to this mafia romance. There are times that the FMCs are like damsels in distress and that is not always something I enjoy. I liked that Talia was a badass and strong in her own right- Sever was there to help if needed but she didn't need a man to do all her dirty work.
I absolutely despised Sever's mom. The way she is done is fantastic but oh my goodness do I hate her.
I am excited to see what this author does next and which story she will make dark next.
Rating: 4.5
CW- there are quite a few since this is a dark romance so please check those for this book
Tropes: Revenge, hidden identity, mafia, enemies to lovers, morally grey MMC/FMC
This has components of Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, and Medusa woven throughout the story.
I have enjoyed the first two books in this series so much, and this one did not disappoint. Greer does such a good job of adding in easter eggs from the musicals and giving us little twists. Sweeney Todd is one of my favorite musicals... actually all three books are my top three musicals... so I really enjoy those aspects of the story. Mafia romances are one of my favorite romance books because I love me a morally grey MC- bonus points if both of the main characters are like that.
Talia wants revenge on the Family that has wronged her, and Sever wants revenge on his Family that has wronged him.
The book starts out in a flash back that hurt my soul and made me want to take revenge on some book characters... but I won't spoil it for you. We then flash forward to present day where Talia works as a costume designer and at her grandparents bakery. Sever is a guard dog for his uncle who is the local boss.
One day Sever wants to make his cousin happy so he goes to the local bakery that makes pistachio cannoli's and he sees her, Talia. He is immediately obsessed and starts using the CCTV in the North End to keep track of her.
Thoughts:
I loved every minute of this book. The back and forth between Talia and Sever... like will she kill him, will she not was entertaining for me. I enjoyed all the easter eggs from Sweeney Todd- it is one of my favorite's.
The scene with Percy and Sever... while very dark was perfect for the situation that had occurred. So many people get away with doing whatever they want, and morally grey, slightly unhinged MMC's get to enact the revenge I am sure so many people wish they could.
Talia's grandparents were so sweet and cute. I loved how much they cared for her and their relationship with each other was one of the sweetest things in the book.
Sever wanting to protect Talia but also respecting that she was strong enough to defend herself was something that added a lot to this mafia romance. There are times that the FMCs are like damsels in distress and that is not always something I enjoy. I liked that Talia was a badass and strong in her own right- Sever was there to help if needed but she didn't need a man to do all her dirty work.
I absolutely despised Sever's mom. The way she is done is fantastic but oh my goodness do I hate her.
I am excited to see what this author does next and which story she will make dark next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment