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A review by koistyfishy
Jagged Edges by H.C. Riley
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
4.5
4.5 Baby Boy Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
I have kept putting this review off because I don't know how to do this book the proper justice that it deserves! There's something about the writing that I love and adore and even whilst dealing with dark and sometimes really difficult-to-read topics, it still manages to keep you captivated, engaged and emotionally invested in characters. Something I often don't even see in well-established exorbitantly popular authors.
This is an MMM Romance (And it is the first actual "MM" book I have read with smut so that was a little bit refreshing, but I still enjoyed it and need to get used to the word precum (which is ENTIRELY A NORMAL WORD AS PER MY FRIEND WHO ADORES MM...it's like as common as "wet")
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
I have kept putting this review off because I don't know how to do this book the proper justice that it deserves! There's something about the writing that I love and adore and even whilst dealing with dark and sometimes really difficult-to-read topics, it still manages to keep you captivated, engaged and emotionally invested in characters. Something I often don't even see in well-established exorbitantly popular authors.
This is an MMM Romance (And it is the first actual "MM" book I have read with smut so that was a little bit refreshing, but I still enjoyed it and need to get used to the word precum (which is ENTIRELY A NORMAL WORD AS PER MY FRIEND WHO ADORES MM...it's like as common as "wet")
Note: Whilst you could technically consider this a "standalone", you would be doing yourself a major disservice, there is a slight overlap with aspects and characters from the previous two books in the series. Also, the previous books set a really solid foundation for the basis of the plot.
While Travis and Spencer's story (Book 2) is still my favourite of the three, this is the story that has had the biggest emotional impact. This follows Zeke, Riot and Cole.
Riot is my favourite of the three- because while he has a silly boyish charm and almost an inherited innocence to him (especially around Zeke), he is also a total badass. Being second in charge of the Havok Brotherhood he can be lethal when he wants to be. I loved that his character brought in such a blend of strength and vulnerability - given he has been starved for love and attention his whole life. He feels things hard and while being quick to react and explosive he's still underneath just a "baby boy".
Zeke is a little scary and I did not expect such a delicious dominant dirty mouth. I almost felt like he was the main character in this story (though it is shared almost equally) - his story and backstory just felt so much bigger. His dominance is a facade though, as he carries deep emotional and physical scars that make him feel unwanted. He is petrified of love as he has never been shown the emotion and does not want to risk losing Riot by taking that leap of faith further.
Cole is that spark that brings them together - and while some would think he would throw a spanner in the work, he fixes all their problems. I always think of him as the little golden retriever puppy with his blonde hair, gorgeous body and goofy smile - everyone just can't help but love him.
As mentioned this story is emotional. It explores deep into the realms of psychological impacts of trauma and how guilt can shape our personality and actions. It is raw and it is difficult to read at times. It does not shy away from difficult topics and dealing with them head-on - but it also highlights the importance of sharing your trauma with those whom you love and emphasises the testament that your made family and the ones you love will be there to pick up the pieces and put you back together again.
On top of all of this, being able to see the enhancement and progression in the quality of writing from H.C. Riley is amazing. She was fantastic in my opinion in book one, but with subtle nuances and a clear growth in her confidence, you can feel how much she has solidified and exponentially improved her craft.
All in all, this was a fantastic instalment to the Havok Hills Series and if you like something dark, spicy, emotional and captivating, this read is for you!
Trope Summary (with some triggers I like as tropes):
▶ MMM Romance
▶ Multi POV (3 POV's)
▶ Secrets and Lies
▶ Organised Crime
▶ Pet Names
▶ Posessive MC's
▶ Hurt/Comfort
▶ Found Family
▶ Degradation and Praise
▶ Will Burn the World Down
Thank you so much to H.C. Riley for the ARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Riot is my favourite of the three- because while he has a silly boyish charm and almost an inherited innocence to him (especially around Zeke), he is also a total badass. Being second in charge of the Havok Brotherhood he can be lethal when he wants to be. I loved that his character brought in such a blend of strength and vulnerability - given he has been starved for love and attention his whole life. He feels things hard and while being quick to react and explosive he's still underneath just a "baby boy".
Zeke is a little scary and I did not expect such a delicious dominant dirty mouth. I almost felt like he was the main character in this story (though it is shared almost equally) - his story and backstory just felt so much bigger. His dominance is a facade though, as he carries deep emotional and physical scars that make him feel unwanted. He is petrified of love as he has never been shown the emotion and does not want to risk losing Riot by taking that leap of faith further.
Cole is that spark that brings them together - and while some would think he would throw a spanner in the work, he fixes all their problems. I always think of him as the little golden retriever puppy with his blonde hair, gorgeous body and goofy smile - everyone just can't help but love him.
As mentioned this story is emotional. It explores deep into the realms of psychological impacts of trauma and how guilt can shape our personality and actions. It is raw and it is difficult to read at times. It does not shy away from difficult topics and dealing with them head-on - but it also highlights the importance of sharing your trauma with those whom you love and emphasises the testament that your made family and the ones you love will be there to pick up the pieces and put you back together again.
On top of all of this, being able to see the enhancement and progression in the quality of writing from H.C. Riley is amazing. She was fantastic in my opinion in book one, but with subtle nuances and a clear growth in her confidence, you can feel how much she has solidified and exponentially improved her craft.
All in all, this was a fantastic instalment to the Havok Hills Series and if you like something dark, spicy, emotional and captivating, this read is for you!
Trope Summary (with some triggers I like as tropes):
▶ MMM Romance
▶ Multi POV (3 POV's)
▶ Secrets and Lies
▶ Organised Crime
▶ Pet Names
▶ Posessive MC's
▶ Hurt/Comfort
▶ Found Family
▶ Degradation and Praise
▶ Will Burn the World Down
Thank you so much to H.C. Riley for the ARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Child abuse