qdbibliophile's review
5.0
Overall: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 😩😭💗💗
Tear jerker: ✅
Supernatural: ❌
Location: Presumably West Coast (USA)
Character age range: mid-late twenties
Lead: Animal
Love interest(s): T
HEA: ✅ -
...
Quotes:
“Love was pain where I was from. And I was in so much love I wanted to die.” -
“Tell him I only love once.” -
...
... .
~QD Book Info📚~
Kindle Unlimited: ✅
Audible: ✅
Stand alone: ✅ - Can be read as a stand alone or after Debra Anastasia’s book Mercy.
...
...
~QD🔥~
Sex/kink type: hetero, penetrative, oral, ménage, toys
Possible triggers: kidnapping, torture, child abuse, attempted rape, abandonment
...
...
~Review🖋~
I was hooked within a few minutes of reading. I ❤️ books like this. The storyline is dark but not so much so that it’s off putting. The characters are unforgettable, beautifully flawed and unequivocally bad ass. I was so wrapped up in them that my tears were just evidence of how invested in their relationships I’d become. And of course, the 🔥🔥🔥 sex didn’t hurt either. Epic read. ✨Blurb in the comments✨
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...
IG: @theqdbibliophile
#Book #Books #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BooksOfInstagram #Bibliophile #Reading #Read #Reader #CurrentlyReading #BookLover #BookLovers #BookLove #BookPorn #Bookworm #Blogger #BookBlogger #Romance #BookNerd #BookAddict #Bookish #Bookaholic #StandAlone
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 😩😭💗💗
Tear jerker: ✅
Supernatural: ❌
Location: Presumably West Coast (USA)
Character age range: mid-late twenties
Lead: Animal
Love interest(s): T
HEA: ✅ -
...
Quotes:
“Love was pain where I was from. And I was in so much love I wanted to die.” -
“Tell him I only love once.” -
...
... .
~QD Book Info📚~
Kindle Unlimited: ✅
Audible: ✅
Stand alone: ✅ - Can be read as a stand alone or after Debra Anastasia’s book Mercy.
...
...
~QD🔥~
Sex/kink type: hetero, penetrative, oral, ménage, toys
Possible triggers: kidnapping, torture, child abuse, attempted rape, abandonment
...
...
~Review🖋~
I was hooked within a few minutes of reading. I ❤️ books like this. The storyline is dark but not so much so that it’s off putting. The characters are unforgettable, beautifully flawed and unequivocally bad ass. I was so wrapped up in them that my tears were just evidence of how invested in their relationships I’d become. And of course, the 🔥🔥🔥 sex didn’t hurt either. Epic read. ✨Blurb in the comments✨
...
...
IG: @theqdbibliophile
#Book #Books #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BooksOfInstagram #Bibliophile #Reading #Read #Reader #CurrentlyReading #BookLover #BookLovers #BookLove #BookPorn #Bookworm #Blogger #BookBlogger #Romance #BookNerd #BookAddict #Bookish #Bookaholic #StandAlone
hayward_eunice's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-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
4.0
Greetings, Enthusiasts of the Shadows,
Remember, always heed the Trigger Warnings.
I've recently traversed further into the series, completing the enthralling journey of the second book, "Havoc." As I write this, I'm already immersing myself in the third installment. The skilled narrators once again wove their magic, enriching the tale with their storytelling prowess.
Within "Havoc," the spotlight turns toward Animal and T, two characters who share a poignant connection that emerged from the depths of adversity. Theirs is a story born from the wrong side of the tracks, a tale of survival and companionship amidst the harsh currents of life.
Animal and T's bond solidifies as they navigate the hurdles of their pasts. Plagued by an unjust system, Animal finds himself ensnared within its grip. T, on the other hand, grapples with a mother afflicted by mental health issues, an ordeal that leads her to the fringes of society. Yet, amidst these challenges, they forge a bond that becomes their anchor, evolving into a found family dynamic.
An intricate dance of emotions and circumstances unfolds as Animal's father-figure, a cop, stands in stark contrast to T's situation where she has only Animal to lean on. T's placement in a foster family introduces new trials, particularly her battle with severe anxiety, which ultimately prompts her to flee. Animal's belief in her permanent absence shatters when he, along with Nix, unexpectedly crosses paths with her again. In a breathtaking display of resilience, T proves her mettle, firing shots from the back of Animal's bike to deliver a message.
The rekindling of their connection reveals layers of complexity in their relationship. Animal's innate sexuality is met with T's protective concern, a delicate balance that speaks volumes about their bond. Amidst the shifting tides, T forges a friendship with Ember, Nix's sister, and together, they carve out a space for themselves in each other's lives.
Nix's abduction sets the stage for an intense series of events. The plan Animal and T concoct to rescue him underscores the depths of their devotion. A heart-pounding turn of events leaves T injured, yet still resolute in her pursuit of justice. This ordeal crystallizes Animal's realization that T is his anchor and his guiding light.
As the story unfolds, T's resilience shines once more as she faces the clutches of Amber, a narcissistic antagonist who subjects her to a truth serum-like solution. The subsequent escape showcases T's strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
Amidst Animal's battle with depression, T emerges as a beacon of hope. Their reunion is a poignant moment, as Animal bares his heart, confessing his feelings to her. Their journey through pain, separation, and reconnection ultimately culminates in a reunion that paints a picture of enduring love and acceptance.
In conclusion, "Havoc" delves deep into the complexities of human connection, survival, and the unbreakable bonds that adversity forges. The story's gripping emotional landscape is sure to resonate with those drawn to the darker facets of literature.
Let the darkness embrace you, and may the pages of these books illuminate your path.
E
Remember, always heed the Trigger Warnings.
I've recently traversed further into the series, completing the enthralling journey of the second book, "Havoc." As I write this, I'm already immersing myself in the third installment. The skilled narrators once again wove their magic, enriching the tale with their storytelling prowess.
Within "Havoc," the spotlight turns toward Animal and T, two characters who share a poignant connection that emerged from the depths of adversity. Theirs is a story born from the wrong side of the tracks, a tale of survival and companionship amidst the harsh currents of life.
Animal and T's bond solidifies as they navigate the hurdles of their pasts. Plagued by an unjust system, Animal finds himself ensnared within its grip. T, on the other hand, grapples with a mother afflicted by mental health issues, an ordeal that leads her to the fringes of society. Yet, amidst these challenges, they forge a bond that becomes their anchor, evolving into a found family dynamic.
An intricate dance of emotions and circumstances unfolds as Animal's father-figure, a cop, stands in stark contrast to T's situation where she has only Animal to lean on. T's placement in a foster family introduces new trials, particularly her battle with severe anxiety, which ultimately prompts her to flee. Animal's belief in her permanent absence shatters when he, along with Nix, unexpectedly crosses paths with her again. In a breathtaking display of resilience, T proves her mettle, firing shots from the back of Animal's bike to deliver a message.
The rekindling of their connection reveals layers of complexity in their relationship. Animal's innate sexuality is met with T's protective concern, a delicate balance that speaks volumes about their bond. Amidst the shifting tides, T forges a friendship with Ember, Nix's sister, and together, they carve out a space for themselves in each other's lives.
Nix's abduction sets the stage for an intense series of events. The plan Animal and T concoct to rescue him underscores the depths of their devotion. A heart-pounding turn of events leaves T injured, yet still resolute in her pursuit of justice. This ordeal crystallizes Animal's realization that T is his anchor and his guiding light.
As the story unfolds, T's resilience shines once more as she faces the clutches of Amber, a narcissistic antagonist who subjects her to a truth serum-like solution. The subsequent escape showcases T's strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
Amidst Animal's battle with depression, T emerges as a beacon of hope. Their reunion is a poignant moment, as Animal bares his heart, confessing his feelings to her. Their journey through pain, separation, and reconnection ultimately culminates in a reunion that paints a picture of enduring love and acceptance.
In conclusion, "Havoc" delves deep into the complexities of human connection, survival, and the unbreakable bonds that adversity forges. The story's gripping emotional landscape is sure to resonate with those drawn to the darker facets of literature.
Let the darkness embrace you, and may the pages of these books illuminate your path.
E
thewordslinger's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
2.5
This isn't really a romance. There's romance <i>in</i> here, but if you're going into this after reading Mercy and are expecting to read about a badass dude falling for a badass woman, set against a backdrop of pseudo mafia assassin badassery, don't.
This story has some Dominic Toreto and Letty Oritz vibes (*insert the "We'Re FaMiLy" line onto virtually every single page of this book*). Yes Animal and T end up together. But they're not, for the majority of this book--and for the first 60% he's not even open to the idea of loving her or even being a 1-woman man.
There's a ton more sex in this one--the issue is that it's not with the FMC. We saw in Mercy that Animal was a bit of a player--that he doesn't like sex with only 1 partner. Prefers threesomes or orgies. That continues in this book. Sex is a tool for this man, and it's sort of written that he uses it to stroke his own...very large... <s>eggplant emoji</s> ego.
T even tells him to go be with other women, knowing it's what he says he wants and needs--even though it hurts her to see him with other people. And he does it--even going so far as to sleep with the enemy, knowing full well that it's hurting T.
In fact, when T straight up tells Animal that she loves him, he admits to himself and to her that he just doesn't feel the same way. He loves her as family, but he's not <i>in love</i> with her. He actually offers to hook her up with other dudes at one point, and she declines. He then goes on to sleep with multiple women before coming back around to T--and when I say 'coming back around' I mean he has to lose her in the WORST most permanent way before he wakes the hell up and realizes that she was it for him.
It's a real 'you don't know what you've got til it's gone' sort of story line.
Add to all of that, these 2 spend a LOT of time apart in this book. She's only just waltzed back into his life after YEARS away in Mercy. In this book, they spent more long stretches of time apart (6 months) before FINALLY coming together in the last 12%.
Now. That disappointment aside, the <i>story</i> had it's interesting moments. But I feel like it was a little <i>too much</i> information and backstory to shove into a single novel. If this had been the first book in a multi-part series (following the same 2 characters, rather than episodic books that follow a new couple from one to the next), I think it might have made more sense.
The world building is a bit... higgledy piggledy. We know...vaguely where these people live. We know that Becca works as a tattoo artist. But the rest of these people???? Are hey mafia? Are they a gang? Are they independent free agents? It's not really made all that clear. We know that Nix worked for a mafia-esque boss for a year in his book, before he took him out and rejoined Animal's operation. And we get the very clear impression that whatever this is, Animal is at the head of it. (Thus the Dominic Toretto vibe). But we don't really understand how they make their money, what they're doing in relation to the 2 bad-guy organizations (I think they're described as like competing mafia families?) that are mentioned. There's also a random pharmaceutical company that's doing some shady shit that may or may not be connected to one or both of the mafia families that have been mentioned?
I need waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than what we're given if I'm expected to care about any of the stuff going on with them.
This book begins with a pretty substantial flashback. We're taken back something like 14 years to when T and Animal knew each other as children. They both grow up in foster care/the streets. They form a bond early on but then lose contact when T ditches town.
We see in Mercy that Animal and T encounter each other again, briefly, but we get the rundown from that again--there's a lot of repetition and summery of the events in Mercy in this book that sort of leave the story feeling unmoored and directionless in the first half. There's a lot of unnecessary information that really goes nowhere and adds nothing to the story. (Like T's mom being mentally ill. That little tidbit serves us no purpose, and wouldn't change the story if it was removed).
There's simply not enough time and/or space in this book to have all of that and then try to accomplish any great plot development with any depth and detail.
As far as characterization goes, I love Animal. I liked him in Mercy, and despite the way this story came together, I liked him in Havoc. I'm a tad confused about why this book is called Havoc, though. It's mentioned ONE time that Animal's street name is Havoc. But it's never used. And, I guess I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that Animal wasn't his legal name, that he chose it and wears it the way Nix wears Mercy... sooooo????
<s>Letty</s> T is also sort of great. She's a real badass--once we get to know her. But that only happens in the back half of the book. Her parts, in the beginning, are very short, and sparse between Animal's chapters. It was a bit weird, reading a dual POV book when we spend SO much time in 1 perspective. It necessarily evened out by the end, but it sort of felt like, by then, we still didn't <i>really</i> know T as well as we knew Animal.
There was also a TON of Ember stuff going on in this book. Not that I hated it, but it wasn't incredibly relevant to Animal's story. I'm assuming the author's just trying to build Ember up as a character for the next book--but it again took time away from the main story for no real payoff in <i>this</i> novel.
I enjoyed the bits with Nix and Becca, too (although Becca is barely here. She exists in the house, but has become almost just an extension of Nix, rather than a fully fleshed out character in her own right. Which was weird, considering she was a main character in her own story).
Objectively this book wasn't bad. But coming off of book 1 and enjoying Mercy as much as I did... this one was a let down. It was trying to be everywhere at once, trying to do too many things--and really succeeding at none of them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
This story has some Dominic Toreto and Letty Oritz vibes (*insert the "We'Re FaMiLy" line onto virtually every single page of this book*). Yes Animal and T end up together. But they're not, for the majority of this book--and for the first 60% he's not even open to the idea of loving her or even being a 1-woman man.
There's a ton more sex in this one--the issue is that it's not with the FMC. We saw in Mercy that Animal was a bit of a player--that he doesn't like sex with only 1 partner. Prefers threesomes or orgies. That continues in this book. Sex is a tool for this man, and it's sort of written that he uses it to stroke his own...very large... <s>eggplant emoji</s> ego.
T even tells him to go be with other women, knowing it's what he says he wants and needs--even though it hurts her to see him with other people. And he does it--even going so far as to sleep with the enemy, knowing full well that it's hurting T.
In fact, when T straight up tells Animal that she loves him, he admits to himself and to her that he just doesn't feel the same way. He loves her as family, but he's not <i>in love</i> with her. He actually offers to hook her up with other dudes at one point, and she declines. He then goes on to sleep with multiple women before coming back around to T--and when I say 'coming back around' I mean he has to lose her in the WORST most permanent way before he wakes the hell up and realizes that she was it for him.
It's a real 'you don't know what you've got til it's gone' sort of story line.
Add to all of that, these 2 spend a LOT of time apart in this book. She's only just waltzed back into his life after YEARS away in Mercy. In this book, they spent more long stretches of time apart (6 months) before FINALLY coming together in the last 12%.
Now. That disappointment aside, the <i>story</i> had it's interesting moments. But I feel like it was a little <i>too much</i> information and backstory to shove into a single novel. If this had been the first book in a multi-part series (following the same 2 characters, rather than episodic books that follow a new couple from one to the next), I think it might have made more sense.
The world building is a bit... higgledy piggledy. We know...vaguely where these people live. We know that Becca works as a tattoo artist. But the rest of these people???? Are hey mafia? Are they a gang? Are they independent free agents? It's not really made all that clear. We know that Nix worked for a mafia-esque boss for a year in his book, before he took him out and rejoined Animal's operation. And we get the very clear impression that whatever this is, Animal is at the head of it. (Thus the Dominic Toretto vibe). But we don't really understand how they make their money, what they're doing in relation to the 2 bad-guy organizations (I think they're described as like competing mafia families?) that are mentioned. There's also a random pharmaceutical company that's doing some shady shit that may or may not be connected to one or both of the mafia families that have been mentioned?
I need waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than what we're given if I'm expected to care about any of the stuff going on with them.
This book begins with a pretty substantial flashback. We're taken back something like 14 years to when T and Animal knew each other as children. They both grow up in foster care/the streets. They form a bond early on but then lose contact when T ditches town.
We see in Mercy that Animal and T encounter each other again, briefly, but we get the rundown from that again--there's a lot of repetition and summery of the events in Mercy in this book that sort of leave the story feeling unmoored and directionless in the first half. There's a lot of unnecessary information that really goes nowhere and adds nothing to the story. (Like T's mom being mentally ill. That little tidbit serves us no purpose, and wouldn't change the story if it was removed).
There's simply not enough time and/or space in this book to have all of that and then try to accomplish any great plot development with any depth and detail.
As far as characterization goes, I love Animal. I liked him in Mercy, and despite the way this story came together, I liked him in Havoc. I'm a tad confused about why this book is called Havoc, though. It's mentioned ONE time that Animal's street name is Havoc. But it's never used. And, I guess I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that Animal wasn't his legal name, that he chose it and wears it the way Nix wears Mercy... sooooo????
<s>Letty</s> T is also sort of great. She's a real badass--once we get to know her. But that only happens in the back half of the book. Her parts, in the beginning, are very short, and sparse between Animal's chapters. It was a bit weird, reading a dual POV book when we spend SO much time in 1 perspective. It necessarily evened out by the end, but it sort of felt like, by then, we still didn't <i>really</i> know T as well as we knew Animal.
There was also a TON of Ember stuff going on in this book. Not that I hated it, but it wasn't incredibly relevant to Animal's story. I'm assuming the author's just trying to build Ember up as a character for the next book--but it again took time away from the main story for no real payoff in <i>this</i> novel.
I enjoyed the bits with Nix and Becca, too (although Becca is barely here. She exists in the house, but has become almost just an extension of Nix, rather than a fully fleshed out character in her own right. Which was weird, considering she was a main character in her own story).
Objectively this book wasn't bad. But coming off of book 1 and enjoying Mercy as much as I did... this one was a let down. It was trying to be everywhere at once, trying to do too many things--and really succeeding at none of them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
luetta's review against another edition
5.0
This book was AMAZING!
Animal is everything. I wanted to love him. I wanted to strangle him. But I always wanted more of him. And T. Good God that girl kicks some serious ass. No fear. Only strength. I want to be strong like her. Both mentally and physically.
Debra Killed this book.
Animal is everything. I wanted to love him. I wanted to strangle him. But I always wanted more of him. And T. Good God that girl kicks some serious ass. No fear. Only strength. I want to be strong like her. Both mentally and physically.
Debra Killed this book.
chaoskay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Animal and T have been friends since they were teens always there when they needed each other until T left . Animal really took T for granted until he lost her and realised what he had lost although I loved their HEA I really wanted T to make Animal grovel a bit she let him off far to easy.
wineanlatenightreads's review against another edition
5.0
Stay ready
Though there were times that I wasn't totally in love with the story telling. Overall I really enjoyed the book. There was a time my heart broke right along with everyone else in the book and I may have screamed no this can't be happening lol I'm not sure and wouldn't tell y'all if I did. But the story between Animal and T was pretty good and I am oh so glad that T plays the king game and looks out for the ones she loves
Though there were times that I wasn't totally in love with the story telling. Overall I really enjoyed the book. There was a time my heart broke right along with everyone else in the book and I may have screamed no this can't be happening lol I'm not sure and wouldn't tell y'all if I did. But the story between Animal and T was pretty good and I am oh so glad that T plays the king game and looks out for the ones she loves
tlwc50's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, but the story isn't quite as riveting as Mercy was. There is still a good rags to riches troupe here that is worth the read for sure.
aylareve_reads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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
4.0
This book was so good! I loved that we got to see more of who Animal actually is after meeting him in book one, and especially T. I had a feeling there was some backstory there and I’m so glad this book was about them!
T is someone who loves only once and Animal is someone who doesn’t know what to do with that kind of love. T’s devotion to Animal is so sweet and heartbreaking all at once. You want T to come out on top but you also know her heart is set on Animal and nothing will sway her, not even death.
Animal’s charisma and charm suck you and and make you want to stay. I love his personality. T is his person and he knows he can always count on her. He doesn’t think he loves her the way that she loves him, but once he’s faced with the harsh reality that is life, he changes his tune.
Animal and T belong together and I love how the book took us into their past and showed us why they are the way they are. It was a really lovely story. Not to mention that ANIMAL IS HOT AS FUCK IN THE BEDROOM. Goodness. Such good spicy scenes!
T is someone who loves only once and Animal is someone who doesn’t know what to do with that kind of love. T’s devotion to Animal is so sweet and heartbreaking all at once. You want T to come out on top but you also know her heart is set on Animal and nothing will sway her, not even death.
Animal’s charisma and charm suck you and and make you want to stay. I love his personality. T is his person and he knows he can always count on her. He doesn’t think he loves her the way that she loves him, but once he’s faced with the harsh reality that is life, he changes his tune.
Animal and T belong together and I love how the book took us into their past and showed us why they are the way they are. It was a really lovely story. Not to mention that ANIMAL IS HOT AS FUCK IN THE BEDROOM. Goodness. Such good spicy scenes!
ashleymichelelx's review against another edition
4.0
Magnificent. Ya'll a SLOW burn, but really with the previous book I should have known. The plot? Immaculate. Can be read as a stand alone, but you'll get so much more out of it if you read in order. Warning you do have to get through Animal being a big dumb baby for a minute, but ugh it's just a good fucking read.
hm08's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed how fresh this was. It wasn't a romantic read and the relationship between Animal and T felt a whole load more like friendship. While I complained that the first book in this series [b:Mercy|35712570|Mercy|Debra Anastasia|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1501772918l/35712570._SY75_.jpg|57212762] was a 100 pages too long, Havoc was a 100 pages too short. I would have loved to see a lot more development in Animal and T's relationship and actual time spent PHYSICALLY together.
The two only really got together in the last 5% of the book, and we got barely anything in the first 95%. This wasn't a great romance at all.
However, I enjoyed it for how different the relationship dynamic, and heroine was. The romance was low, and it felt like they had more of a platonic soulmate connection than anything. T was an unstable and ultra-possessive heroine who literally kills for her man. I have never read a heroine like her before and I think I'm quite into this character type.
I'll probably stop at this book. I'm not sure if I'd want to read Ember's story, [b:Lock|43227362|Lock|Debra Anastasia|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1544742090l/43227362._SY75_.jpg|66791892] next - she seemed too childish for my liking and with the ups and downs of the author's writing, I'm hesitant about dedicating a couple of hours of my life to a dud.
Spoiler
—Animal, the hero, literally fucks the enemy for a whole 10 pages straight and this was written in detail. And I must say, it was hotter than when Animal and T finally got it on—The two only really got together in the last 5% of the book, and we got barely anything in the first 95%. This wasn't a great romance at all.
However, I enjoyed it for how different the relationship dynamic, and heroine was. The romance was low, and it felt like they had more of a platonic soulmate connection than anything.
Spoiler
When Animal and T finally slept together and when they consummate their marriage, it felt like I was reading about two pals having textbok sex together. It wasn't all that interesting.I'll probably stop at this book. I'm not sure if I'd want to read Ember's story, [b:Lock|43227362|Lock|Debra Anastasia|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1544742090l/43227362._SY75_.jpg|66791892] next - she seemed too childish for my liking and with the ups and downs of the author's writing, I'm hesitant about dedicating a couple of hours of my life to a dud.