Scan barcode
clioreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
All the trigger warnings applyemptzuu's review
The social commentary felt out of place and out of character for everyone. Morgan's behavior was never well-explored or explained. She’s terrified of Aristov but doesn’t flinch when Lorenzo does similar things? Her character lacks nuance, suggesting the author didn’t research trauma and its effects. Lorenzo was a bit better but still one-dimensional. The author kept telling, not showing. If he's a ruthless murderer, why does he keep talking about The Lion King and Capri Sun? These moments make the book feel like a parody of a dark romance than an actual dark romance. Breaking the fourth wall reinforces this perception.
This could have been a fantastic single book, instead the author added unnecessary scenes and details to stretch it out. The chapters about the little girl were especially unnecessary; they added nothing to the story. Some of the descriptions were repeated a lot, which got tiring. The book is full of stereotypes—from mafia to sex workers to villains. The plot twists were boring and predictable.
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, and Murder
earlieststar's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
umamah's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Cursing, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, and Blood
Minor: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Death of parent
loveleighreading's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Sexual content and Murder
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual assault
_xsthephaniex_'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death, and Violence
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
aliyyah's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Menace is about Lorenzo Gambini, a man who is just exasperated and completely bored with life. One night he bumps into Morgan Myers, a woman who’s clearly running from something. He doesn’t know what is it but he’s determined to find out. Maybe his life just got a little more interesting.
The plot of this wasn’t anything groundbreaking but I didn’t go into this book for the storyline. There was a sort of twist that I didn’t really see, but to be completely honest I’m not too sure if it was an actual twist or if I was just too dumb to put two and two together.
I ended up liking Lorenzo a lot more than I thought I would. I started this book prepared to hate him in the beginning but he actually amused me a lot from the very start. This man is a ruthless killer but likes puzzles and enjoys Capri Suns. He will also do anything for his little brother, who he singlehandedly raised when he was just eighteen years old. I love the layers to him. It’s endearing.
I also adored Morgan so much. She’s sarcastic and witty and strong, doing whatever she needs to survive. She takes no shit from anyone, including Lorenzo. Yet, despite everything that has been done to her, she’s still hopeful. She watches the sunrise every morning, hoping for a better day ahead.
I loved their dynamic so much. I thought it was super fun to be honest. They’re always fighting but it never feels like too much. They’re both really good at giving each other shit and it just works. I thought their banter was very entertaining.
I enjoyed the writing a lot, although there were some things I just didn’t completely vibe with. The word pussy is used way too much. I don’t care if a book has swearing, God knows my vocabulary is filled with inappropriate language, but this was just excessive. The smut also, sadly, did not do it for me as much as I hoped it would. It would have been better if Lorenzo talked less during sex because I kinda hated the way the dirty talk was written. Besides those minor issues though, the writing was super fun and I really loved the tone of the book.
This was a quick, entertaining read that I had a good time with and I think it was a nice starting point for the mafia romance sub genre for me. If you’re like me and thinking about dipping your toes into this genre, I’d definitely suggest you try this one!
Graphic: Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
bookswhitme's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder