A review by amanda_reads13
Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Natalie's fiance disappeared without a trace the day before their wedding. 5 years later, she is still struggling to come to terms with his disappearance. Then, Kage, a handsome mysterious and secretive stranger moves into town. They fall hard for each other, but Kage is not who he seems.
Natalie and Sloane's relationship made this book for me. Their banter and sarcasm was so funny and fun to read. They have such a strong tie to each other. Sloan was possibly my favourite character in the book. Sloan is there for Natalie no matter what and supports her through everything.
Natalie has been through the ringer over the last 5 years. She has definitely been dealing with some mental health issues due to David's disappearance. Before meeting Kage, she felt dead inside, unable to open herself up to another man. Kage lit something within her and she was able to feel something. Natalie is incredibly strong, witty, and honest. She is afraid of being hurt by Kage, but is able to open herself to the possibly of happiness with him.
I'm not sure how I feel about Kage. He didn't have much of a personality and felt kind of flat. He is definitely the alpha type and need to be in control.
I am not a fan of insta love, so that skewed my opinion. I wish there had been a bit more focus on the Mafia side of the story, it felt like it just faded into the background for majority of the book. I cannot wait to read Sloan's book.
Tropes: Mafia, alpha male, touch her and you die, open door, insta-loveish
Natalie and Sloane's relationship made this book for me. Their banter and sarcasm was so funny and fun to read. They have such a strong tie to each other. Sloan was possibly my favourite character in the book. Sloan is there for Natalie no matter what and supports her through everything.
Natalie has been through the ringer over the last 5 years. She has definitely been dealing with some mental health issues due to David's disappearance. Before meeting Kage, she felt dead inside, unable to open herself up to another man. Kage lit something within her and she was able to feel something. Natalie is incredibly strong, witty, and honest. She is afraid of being hurt by Kage, but is able to open herself to the possibly of happiness with him.
I'm not sure how I feel about Kage. He didn't have much of a personality and felt kind of flat. He is definitely the alpha type and need to be in control.
Spoiler
He knew that what he was doing would eventually hurt Natalie, but still withheld the truth from her and was dishonest. He was able to justify his actions because he fell for her the second he saw her and couldn't go through with his orders. Though he worshiped Natalie, he was still very selfish and secretive.I am not a fan of insta love, so that skewed my opinion. I wish there had been a bit more focus on the Mafia side of the story, it felt like it just faded into the background for majority of the book. I cannot wait to read Sloan's book.
Tropes: Mafia, alpha male, touch her and you die, open door, insta-loveish
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gaslighting, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, and Mental illness