A review by matelliii
Painted Scars by Neva Altaj

dark emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

This book or series has been in my radar for almost a year already. And since i was bored and currently on a semi book slump, i decided why not? For im currently in a mood of a good mafia romance book. And this one is indeed a mafia book, but not what i expected from the usual books i read in this genre. it was rather … light for a mafia book, to the point that i really dont consider this as dark romance. The overall theme was there, the factors of a mafia dark romance is there, but for some reason the vibe wasnt there. Idk, maybe its because of the writing? Which, tbh, im not really a fan of. This kind of writing was what some redditor called head hopping, where there’s so much switching of POV between main characters. But, in this book’s defense, the head hopping was not as intense and i actually sorta dont mind it at times. Yeah, the writing is just okay, not a fan but not a hater too. The characters are interesting. Again, both MCs acts so lighthearted to be in a mafia romance book lol. Even Roman, who is supposed to be this evil, dangerous Pakhan like his reputation seems to say, doesnt really give off that vibe. Idk, im on the fence with this book. Maybe its because its the first for the series. Its okay and i dont really hate this as much as my previous read. Even tho i complained about the MCs, i actually enjoyed them. Their dynamic is very cutesy  and wholesome that it doesnt seem to fit in the dark setting of the book. 
In conclusion, i dont hate this book but at the same time i dont like it. Its in the middle. The writing couldve been more detailed and the scenes couldn’t been more fleshed out and the relationship between MCs could’ve been developed slowly cos i feel like they fell in love too quickly, which is kinda absurd. But they’re still cute tho. Also, love the PWD representation.