A review by roksyreads
Brutal by A.J. Merlin

dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Review

𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘭 was technically a re-read for me, but as with 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥, the new format made the story into a whole new experience. I loved this dark yet surprisingly sweet romance between FMC Hazel and MMC Wren the first time around when I devoured it via my Kindle and I enjoyed it even more as an audiobook. I thought Victoria Connolly’s delivery was perfect for Hazel and she did a fantastic job capturing Wren, too. He’s seriously unhinged and unapologetically rabid for Hazel, but he’s also a communication and aftercare king, and whilst Connolly’s voice doesn’t go as deep as I imagine Wren’s would be, she got his tone just right throughout, including during their steamiest moments.  

Tropes

🖤 Touch her and 💀

🖤 Masked man

🖤 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗋

🖤 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄𝖾𝗋

🖤 Fake relationship

🖤 He’s ✨️obsessed✨️

What I loved

🖤 Breathtaking spice with primal play

🖤 Excellent banter between the MMC/FMC and side characters

🖤 Mental health rep that’s done well

🖤 Communication and aftercare

🖤 Childfree MCs

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Stalking and Murder