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ddog8's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Noooooo!
I loved and devoured the books in this series. All 4-5 star ratings. But this one completely missed the mark for me. Man, I'm so sad.
I'm sorry, I know this book got really great ratings...
I can't really pinpoint why. There were some weird inconsistencies that just annoyed me:
- Bryony (FMC) commented on his (MMC) amazing muscular body and tanned skin when they were getting it on the next day in the mask scene. They were locked in a cell for "weeks" (unspecified) and basically starved. HOW did he get a tan the next day and how did he keep muscle mass by eating a sandwich and a piece of toast a day?
- They both initially lie to their friends about where they were for the time they were missing, well... mainly Bryony which was just stupid. Their friends and family didn't notice how they MUST have been sallow, skinnier, haggard from poor sleep? Didn't question why these overly social and bombastic people went MIA in the first place with a text saying "brb, gone for sexy times"? Yeah, not buying it.
- There is no mention of her having her period which would have been a challenge but would be a reality if she was there for so long. Also, unprotected sex. Perhaps she had an IUD or something.
- Will also went through this experience. Yes, he deals with graphic violence etc. often, but I felt bad that the FMC was taking his reaction to the situation at face value. He's also human and survived a horrible situation while carrying the weight of her well-being. It must have been exhausting.
- Lastly, to be pedantic, hoooowwww did he sleep lying on his side with his ear mutilated? Ok, perhaps it was the other side but really...you just almost sever your own ear and it's pain free and just a non-issue?
It all just felt really shallow 😞
You never got to know the characters, there was no depth to them which was really sad. Honestly, I felt I knew the villain way more than the main characters.
All in all, unfortunately this one wasn't a winner. I still love Nikki's writing and will read the next one.
I loved and devoured the books in this series. All 4-5 star ratings. But this one completely missed the mark for me. Man, I'm so sad.
I'm sorry, I know this book got really great ratings...
I can't really pinpoint why. There were some weird inconsistencies that just annoyed me:
- They both initially lie to their friends about where they were for the time they were missing, well... mainly Bryony which was just stupid. Their friends and family didn't notice how they MUST have been sallow, skinnier, haggard from poor sleep? Didn't question why these overly social and bombastic people went MIA in the first place with a text saying "brb, gone for sexy times"? Yeah, not buying it.
- There is no mention of her having her period which would have been a challenge but would be a reality if she was there for so long. Also, unprotected sex. Perhaps she had an IUD or something.
- Will also went through this experience. Yes, he deals with graphic violence etc. often, but I felt bad that the FMC was taking his reaction to the situation at face value. He's also human and survived a horrible situation while carrying the weight of her well-being. It must have been exhausting.
- Lastly, to be pedantic, hoooowwww did he sleep lying on his side with his ear mutilated? Ok, perhaps it was the other side but really...you just almost sever your own ear and it's pain free and just a non-issue?
It all just felt really shallow 😞
You never got to know the characters, there was no depth to them which was really sad. Honestly, I felt I knew the villain way more than the main characters.
All in all, unfortunately this one wasn't a winner. I still love Nikki's writing and will read the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Torture, and Kidnapping
lil4c4mour's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
Okay, everyone say it with me…
LOSER BF
And I mean that with the most upmost respect. A man who fell fast and hard. We had a look into this relationship in The Joker(not a necessary read, but more like a cute Easter egg). We follow the story of Bryony and Will. The development of their relationship, along with the usual criminal subplot. this time around, they are kidnapped and held hostage in order to do the dirty work of someone from Will’s past. Very interesting to see an antagonist who you’re(well me) kinda rooting for. Of course, I wanted Bryony and Will to be safe and heal from this traumatic experience. But why was I kinda kicking my feet and giggling at the end when Isaiah was flirting…
LOSER BF
And I mean that with the most upmost respect. A man who fell fast and hard. We had a look into this relationship in The Joker(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Torture, Blood, and Alcohol
poupimali's review
dark
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? It's complicated
5.0
Bryony and Will are linked by a good Stockholm syndrome, orchestrated by The Taskmaker.
This is a really good story with a good plot.
My only regret is that the intimate parts are really cliché. I could have been so much better.
This is a really good story with a good plot.
My only regret is that the intimate parts are really cliché. I could have been so much better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Pedophilia
erinmd156's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Pedophilia
questionablereads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Every time I read a book from this author I think, "this is my new favorite book." The Player is book four in The Soldiers of Anarchy series, and can be read as a stand alone (but read the previous books anyway because they are dark romance gold). The Player is a frenemies to lovers story that follows Will and Bryony as their love unfolds through a series of torture games. This book is next level dark (be sure to check triggers) and a rollercoaster of emotions, but beyond perfection. As with all Nikki J. Summers books, you get an amazing plot, character development, and wonderful spice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Murder
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