Scan barcode
A review by zahraaloujain
Bitter Deception by Akwaah K
fast-paced
3.25
Bitter Deception is the sequel to Sweetest Deception, continuing the tumultuous and dramatic relationship between Remo and Aurora. While this second installment offers some improvement over the first book, particularly in terms of Remo’s character development and emotional groveling, it still struggles with familiar issues like weak character depth and pacing.
The most notable highlight is the groveling, particularly by the male protagonist, Remo. Lines such as “You are my reason for living now, amore. You are the only person who can make me drop to my knees in worship to you, the only person who can stop me or kill me,” showcase the emotional fervor and devotion Remo displays throughout the novel. However, this intensity, while initially gripping, fades under the weight of underwhelming character development and rushed resolutions. Aurora’s forgiveness, especially after repeatedly mentioning the traumatic moment of Remo holding a gun to her head, felt too hasty and unsatisfactory given the gravity of their past.
Additionally, the book suffers from a lack of diversity, with characters who are as stereotypically white as they come. This is particularly surprising given that the author herself doesn’t seem to be white, which leaves much to be desired in terms of representation. The series’ origins on Wattpad are evident, as it feels like a blend of the platform’s weaker tropes rather than showcasing its best qualities. While Remo’s groveling moments, including lines like “Te amo abbastanza da morire per te” (“I love you enough to die for you”) and “I am not letting the man who touched my wife walk on this earth any longer, because you are too precious for me to not cause mayhem for,” bring intensity, they can’t mask the lack of deeper character exploration.
In comparison to the first book, this sequel is definitely an improvement, but it still struggles to break free from its Wattpad roots. The repetitive nature of Aurora’s internal conflict, followed by an anticlimactic resolution, detracts from what could have been a more gripping storyline. Though the book holds some appeal for fans of groveling romance, it lacks the depth needed to fully invest in the characters’ journey.
Overall, Sweetest Deception earns 3.25 out of 5 stars. While there’s some appeal in Remo’s dramatic gestures, the book’s lack of diversity and rushed emotional arcs leave much to be desired. If I do continue this series, it will likely be out of boredom rather than genuine intrigue.
The most notable highlight is the groveling, particularly by the male protagonist, Remo. Lines such as “You are my reason for living now, amore. You are the only person who can make me drop to my knees in worship to you, the only person who can stop me or kill me,” showcase the emotional fervor and devotion Remo displays throughout the novel. However, this intensity, while initially gripping, fades under the weight of underwhelming character development and rushed resolutions. Aurora’s forgiveness, especially after repeatedly mentioning the traumatic moment of Remo holding a gun to her head, felt too hasty and unsatisfactory given the gravity of their past.
Additionally, the book suffers from a lack of diversity, with characters who are as stereotypically white as they come. This is particularly surprising given that the author herself doesn’t seem to be white, which leaves much to be desired in terms of representation. The series’ origins on Wattpad are evident, as it feels like a blend of the platform’s weaker tropes rather than showcasing its best qualities. While Remo’s groveling moments, including lines like “Te amo abbastanza da morire per te” (“I love you enough to die for you”) and “I am not letting the man who touched my wife walk on this earth any longer, because you are too precious for me to not cause mayhem for,” bring intensity, they can’t mask the lack of deeper character exploration.
In comparison to the first book, this sequel is definitely an improvement, but it still struggles to break free from its Wattpad roots. The repetitive nature of Aurora’s internal conflict, followed by an anticlimactic resolution, detracts from what could have been a more gripping storyline. Though the book holds some appeal for fans of groveling romance, it lacks the depth needed to fully invest in the characters’ journey.
Overall, Sweetest Deception earns 3.25 out of 5 stars. While there’s some appeal in Remo’s dramatic gestures, the book’s lack of diversity and rushed emotional arcs leave much to be desired. If I do continue this series, it will likely be out of boredom rather than genuine intrigue.