rchandler's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Where do I even start!? I can honestly say I NEVER expected to root for Rachel or truly love Rachel so much while also loosing respect for Jaxon at the same time. But, it’s important to keep in mind this Jaxon is not the same Jaxon that is Natalie’s husband we all love. I’m just glad I didn’t read this version of Jaxon first because I would not have been a fan!
This story gets real right off the bat! There is not slow burn, no fluff. Nicole hits the ground running and let me tell you, it’s not the easiest to read. Rachel had a rough upbringing. What happened to her was unthinkable. Her childhood story is raw and brutal, something no child should ever have to go through. But it truly helps to bring to better understand Rachel and who she is and why she is the way she is.
“So no, I was nobody’s princess. I don’t have glorious childhood memories; I only have trauma and nightmares.”
“Aw shit don’t do that.” “ I hate that, I don’t need your pity. You wanted my story, this is my story. If your going to need me to whimper and cry and say the world is unfair and act like the victim then I will walk out that door”
Adam equally had a horrible childhood with his father. It gave me comfort knowing he had Rachel to lean on and relate to. They both understand each other and the others past and how that has shaped them into the person they are today.
“No one could really give me any comfort. Because no matter what they said, they didn’t know what it was like to see someone you love die right in front of you. But Rachel does.”
“What do I want from you? All I want is to be the reason you smile like this, every damn day. And I hope that’s enough.”
Oh my goodness the massive fight between Rachel and Jaxon! my heart absolutely broke for Rachel in that moment and what happened afterwards, especially since they were his own people!
This story answers soooo many questions!! But OMG the ending!!!! Agggghhh! Nicole, you most definitely did not disappoint! Thank you for this installment, for getting the opportunity to hear Rachel’s side of the story and learn a bit more about the inner working of the Mafia. I can’t wait for the final book of the HOTI series to come out later this year!
A few more quotes I absolutely loved! This book is FULL of perfection!
“…and despite all of my own glaring faults and inadequacies. I know that I want to be the one who finally loves her correctly”
“So here in the dark, with her wrapped in my arms, I silently make her this simple vow:
I will be patient for her
I will be understanding for her
I will be compassionate for her
I will be forgiving for her
I will be better for her
Maybe I’d be better for it too” omg swoon!!!
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