Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Twisted

Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

chelle22's review

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense

4.0

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savage_book_review's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Diamonds are a girl's best friend... unless your Dad is the owner of the biggest diamond business on the planet and is planning to marry you off to a random rich tycoon just so that he doesn't have to worry about his business being run by a girl after he's gone. So when his dark, mysterious, slightly terrifying and incredibly handsome right-hand man discovers that you might have already given your heart away, he also spies an opportunity to grab hold of everything he's ever desired...

Once again, the author spins a well known fairy tale into something modern, dark and sexy, employing tropes that, by now, are becoming the hallmarks of her work; a big city, a character in a position of power in a business with a shady side, willing to murder to keep their place in the world and a female lead with Daddy issues. It's strange how these stories have very quickly become 'comfortable'; a familiar pattern and guaranteed resolution that makes them easy to read and end enjoy, even though the subject matter is often far from cozy. It's not really necessary to engage your brain too much while reading these stories; just chill and enjoy the ride!

This instalment did feel like it had a slightly different tone to it; there were a couple more sub-plots than usual, which gave the story a little more depth than the last. However, they weren't necessarily woven into the main narrative as well as they could have been; in a couple of places there may as well have been big neon arrows pointing to a phrase or action screaming 'important plot point here!' It's by no means bad writing, and it is definitely better than the last one, but it just feels a little 'safe', like the author has found her niche and is resolutely sticking with it rather than taking a risk and trying to stick with the theme but take a different approach.

However, there were a couple of brief shining moments where I did get hooked into thinking she might go a different way. Part of me was expecting that this villain's happily ever after would be being king of his castle after dispatching all those in his way, which certainly would have been a twist! But while I can't say there are any out and out surprises, there are a few nice little moments that might not be quite what you were expecting.

I didn't really warm to the character in the same way as the earlier books; both the leads feel like they have been a little forced into their roles to fit the narrative. For example, Julian didn't need his 'sideline' - he could have been just as sly, manipulative and villainous as a legitimate businessman. Except, although not central to the story, the glimpses at Julian's childhood give him a vulnerability that explain his personality somewhat and allow the reader to sympathise a little when he does turn to the darker aspects of his role. It's not enough to justify his actions (and therefore the author's choices in this regard), but it's that chink of light that good girls look for in bad boys!

Conversely, while I get Yasmin loves her father and would do anything to make him happy, her complete surrender to his will made me want to grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her right from the word go. There's nothing in her personality that redeems her as a character for me.

The extended epilogue to this one is also very one-dimensional; there really is nothing to it save for an excuse for one more round of sexy-times.

Overall, I had hoped for better, but am confident that this is an improvement on 'Wretched'.

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