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The Snake & The Raven #1
The House of the Wicked
He begged me not to trust him when trusting him felt like my only lifeline... Until it became my biggest mistake.
Orphaned as a child, Nora spent most of her life under the loving but controlling boot of her notorious crime lord godfather. Port Manaus is a city steeped in violence and under the guise of keeping her safe, Nora’s isolated, cloistered like a princess in a tower; always safe, always hidden. But unlike regular princesses, she spends her days helping her godfather sell illegal firearms and creating fake IDs for the foot soldiers of her family’s crime empire.
When a gang-related murder forces Nora to examine her role in the pervasive culture of violence in the city; she realizes that she’s done with this life. Done with the guns, the crime, and done with the luxurious jail she’s always called home.
Nora is ready to run, to race toward freedom, but one person stands in her way, August, her family’s new head of security.
Until a dramatic turn of events forces Nora and August to flee the city together. But in between dodging bullets, navigating their growing attraction, and losing herself in his searing hot kisses, everything Nora holds dear slowly unravels. And not even the protection of the man she shouldn’t want can save her from the treachery of the man who raised her.
Orphaned as a child, Nora spent most of her life under the loving but controlling boot of her notorious crime lord godfather. Port Manaus is a city steeped in violence and under the guise of keeping her safe, Nora’s isolated, cloistered like a princess in a tower; always safe, always hidden. But unlike regular princesses, she spends her days helping her godfather sell illegal firearms and creating fake IDs for the foot soldiers of her family’s crime empire.
When a gang-related murder forces Nora to examine her role in the pervasive culture of violence in the city; she realizes that she’s done with this life. Done with the guns, the crime, and done with the luxurious jail she’s always called home.
Nora is ready to run, to race toward freedom, but one person stands in her way, August, her family’s new head of security.
Until a dramatic turn of events forces Nora and August to flee the city together. But in between dodging bullets, navigating their growing attraction, and losing herself in his searing hot kisses, everything Nora holds dear slowly unravels. And not even the protection of the man she shouldn’t want can save her from the treachery of the man who raised her.
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
20 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Oona Arlo
4 books53 followersOona Arlo is a hopeless romantic first and a contemporary romance author second. Her debut novel, Sabrina September Is A Liar, released in April 2023 and she’s been writing up a storm since.
Oona’s novels portray healthy relationships, real-life struggles and toe-curlingly good chemistry, drama and hard-won happily ever afters.
When she isn’t gentle parenting within an inch of her life, or reading, you’ll find her in her office, plotting, writing, scheming and removing hundreds of utterances of the f-word from her novels.
Oona lives in a small rural town with her two daughters – Sophie and Grace – her partner, their yappy Jack Russell, Charlie, and gorgeous Calico cat, Keeks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 19, 2024
Yall have no idea how stoked I was to receive this ARC
This book was phenomenal😭
“There’s nowhere you could run where I wouldn’t find you, little raven.”
The way I had to force myself to put it down so I could get a few hours of sleep every night and ya girl loves her damn sleep
The story telling 10/10
The tensions 10/10
The spice 10/10
The suspense!! 10/10
The evolution of Nora as the story progressed was beautiful to watch. How we felt her pain as she uncovered every insane piece of truth
How August was a delicious yet passionate partner to pushed her and demand her eyes opened to the truth
“Has anyone ever told you how utterly breathtaking you look when you’re terrified?”
THE ENDING😭😭 this book isn’t even technically out yet and I’m stressed to read book 2
✨ This was a *chef kiss* gangland, morally grey, touch her and i will cut your eye out, forbidden romance & forced proximity ✨
BUY IT OCTOBER 17th
This book was phenomenal😭
“There’s nowhere you could run where I wouldn’t find you, little raven.”
The way I had to force myself to put it down so I could get a few hours of sleep every night and ya girl loves her damn sleep
The story telling 10/10
The tensions 10/10
The spice 10/10
The suspense!! 10/10
The evolution of Nora as the story progressed was beautiful to watch. How we felt her pain as she uncovered every insane piece of truth
How August was a delicious yet passionate partner to pushed her and demand her eyes opened to the truth
“Has anyone ever told you how utterly breathtaking you look when you’re terrified?”
THE ENDING😭😭 this book isn’t even technically out yet and I’m stressed to read book 2
✨ This was a *chef kiss* gangland, morally grey, touch her and i will cut your eye out, forbidden romance & forced proximity ✨
BUY IT OCTOBER 17th
October 16, 2024
WHAT DO YOU MEAN “The end—for now”??? No, bc why would you leave me and Nora like this?😭 The majority of this story was very much a slow burn for both the plot and the romance and I’m not gonna hold you, I was DESPERATE for some answers bc there was so many questions and lies that I was FERAL for a singular crumb of validation for my hypotheses😂 I will say, I did get confirmation on most of them, but I’m not gonna say which ones🤫 The chemistry between August and Nora was PALPABLE! Those two quite literally could not keep their hands off of each other even though it was absolutely forbidden🤭 This first book definitely leaned more toward exploring and establishing their relationship, while also building up the world, so I’m hoping book two will come through with the revenge and female rage that this cliffhanger has me sitting on the edge of my seat for🙂↕️
September 14, 2024
I have not read a romantic suspense book in a while and I liked this one. There was so much angst, suspense, secrets, and steam from the romance. This is set in a crime/gang setting as the fmc grew up with her grandfather who was a crime lord. She meets the mmc who is her head of security and they have to leave the city together. This leads to dogging danger, crime stuff, romance, angst, and chemistry. There are twists, turns, and mysteries long with so much happening, definitely read this if you like romantic suspense romance books with action, mystery, and romance. Thank you to Oona Arlo for the arc for an honest review.
October 17, 2024
I loved it hahaha! But to be more serious, I started writing The House of the Wicked in 2020 and what started as a fever dream has become one of the most incredible stories. I hope you enjoy getting to know Nora and August and the world of Port Manaus.
September 18, 2024
CURSE YOU, CLIFFHANGER ENDING!! I must not have been paying attention when I signed up for an ARC of this book because the cliffhanger took me by complete surprise. I was so into the book.
This was an interesting story, the way the pieces of information were laid out and how characters were introduced. I felt like a fly on the wall, observing the dynamics as characters interacted with one another other and was trying to figure out who’s the good guy/ bad guy or who is trustworthy? I am VERY much looking forward to book 2 to find out what happens next!
Apart from the previously mentioned items, I enjoyed the chemistry between Nora and August. They smoldered from the very start. The spice — if spice is something you seek— is definitely there. It’s a lighter sprinkling of it, but what’s there is good.
If you like mafia / gang rival type of stories with strangers/enemies to lovers, hidden identity, and morally gray characters, then you definitely want to give this a read!
This was an interesting story, the way the pieces of information were laid out and how characters were introduced. I felt like a fly on the wall, observing the dynamics as characters interacted with one another other and was trying to figure out who’s the good guy/ bad guy or who is trustworthy? I am VERY much looking forward to book 2 to find out what happens next!
Apart from the previously mentioned items, I enjoyed the chemistry between Nora and August. They smoldered from the very start. The spice — if spice is something you seek— is definitely there. It’s a lighter sprinkling of it, but what’s there is good.
If you like mafia / gang rival type of stories with strangers/enemies to lovers, hidden identity, and morally gray characters, then you definitely want to give this a read!
September 29, 2024
The mind-boggling plot twists and the tangled web of character relationships had me glued to the pages! Every chapter peeled back another layer of suspense that practically screamed, “Don’t you dare put me down!” Watching the protagonist morph from a fragile flower to a participant in the mafia was a rollercoaster of feels—both gut-wrenching and uplifting! The author nailed the gritty vibes of the underworld while sprinkling in those precious moments of kindness and hope. This tale sticks in your brain, leaving you chomping at the bit for the next book!
October 17, 2024
To say that I couldn't wait to be an ARC reader for this book, is an understatement. The build up to it was so intense, but that didn't even begin to prepare me for what was to come!
Slow burn ✅
Suspense ✅
Romance (of the sweetest kind) ✅
Toe curling spice ✅
Cliffhanger ending ✅
Page turner ✅
Plot twists ✅
The House of the Wicked has it all.
The romance between Nora and August is so easy to root for. The settings are beautifully and vividly described, the contradiction between their dark reality and their light romance kept me locked in.
I love the realness of Nora, one of my fave quotes..."If only I’d known then that loving my body is infinitely easier than forcing it to meet a beauty standard set by men and the media." Perfectly said and so relatable.
A quote from my fave scene with Nora and August, I mean...we can't actually imagine what comes next..."His thumb kisses the top of my thigh a second before he pulls away and lifts my hand, wrapping his fingers around my index and middle finger."
August's inner battle between what he should do vs what he actually does makes for breath-holding reading... “There’s nowhere you could run where I wouldn’t find you, little raven.”
Highly recommend.
Slow burn ✅
Suspense ✅
Romance (of the sweetest kind) ✅
Toe curling spice ✅
Cliffhanger ending ✅
Page turner ✅
Plot twists ✅
The House of the Wicked has it all.
The romance between Nora and August is so easy to root for. The settings are beautifully and vividly described, the contradiction between their dark reality and their light romance kept me locked in.
I love the realness of Nora, one of my fave quotes..."If only I’d known then that loving my body is infinitely easier than forcing it to meet a beauty standard set by men and the media." Perfectly said and so relatable.
A quote from my fave scene with Nora and August, I mean...we can't actually imagine what comes next..."His thumb kisses the top of my thigh a second before he pulls away and lifts my hand, wrapping his fingers around my index and middle finger."
August's inner battle between what he should do vs what he actually does makes for breath-holding reading... “There’s nowhere you could run where I wouldn’t find you, little raven.”
Highly recommend.
September 22, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
If you like pet names, good spice, and a moody MMC, you’ll love this!
I really enjoyed this book! It does end of a cliff hanger, as most duets do, which has me excited to read the next one and see where the Snake and the Raven end up.
If you like pet names, good spice, and a moody MMC, you’ll love this!
I really enjoyed this book! It does end of a cliff hanger, as most duets do, which has me excited to read the next one and see where the Snake and the Raven end up.
September 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you so much to the author for sharing this ARC and writing this insanely brilliant book!
The plot follows Nora, stuck in the confines of her lavish home, The House of the Wicked, all she longs for is to escape. With cameras all round the house, and no means to run away, she is stuck feeling like a damsel in distress. Her father-figure and the head of a mafia gang, Ricky, hires a new Head of Security - August. A brooding, tattooed mystery man Nora knows all too well…the one man who made her feel free is now in charge of keeping her stuck where she is…will she ever get her freedom?
Ok first, August is 🥵 tattoos? Yes. Motorbike? Yes. Dirty mouth? Yes. Woowee, for adults only everyone 🤭
This book is so eloquently written, the angst is built up so well. I adored Nora, and admired her for her strength and ability to not give up, even after all she has lost.
The relationship both the main characters refuse to acknowledge at first is carved and crafted so perfectly by the author! The settings are described so intricately I could picture exactly where they were in my mind. The scene is set perfectly, and the surprise suspense scenes were so good - my was heart racing so fast!
The final 20% of the book had me screaming, I was so on edge, shouting at Nora and August, knowing something big was coming … all I know is I need book two asap!
This book needs to be on your TBR. It will not disappoint, and bonus: there is a Playlist! 🖤
The author covers the trigger and content warnings so well, so please check these before you read.
Thank you so much to the author for sharing this ARC and writing this insanely brilliant book!
The plot follows Nora, stuck in the confines of her lavish home, The House of the Wicked, all she longs for is to escape. With cameras all round the house, and no means to run away, she is stuck feeling like a damsel in distress. Her father-figure and the head of a mafia gang, Ricky, hires a new Head of Security - August. A brooding, tattooed mystery man Nora knows all too well…the one man who made her feel free is now in charge of keeping her stuck where she is…will she ever get her freedom?
Ok first, August is 🥵 tattoos? Yes. Motorbike? Yes. Dirty mouth? Yes. Woowee, for adults only everyone 🤭
This book is so eloquently written, the angst is built up so well. I adored Nora, and admired her for her strength and ability to not give up, even after all she has lost.
The relationship both the main characters refuse to acknowledge at first is carved and crafted so perfectly by the author! The settings are described so intricately I could picture exactly where they were in my mind. The scene is set perfectly, and the surprise suspense scenes were so good - my was heart racing so fast!
The final 20% of the book had me screaming, I was so on edge, shouting at Nora and August, knowing something big was coming … all I know is I need book two asap!
This book needs to be on your TBR. It will not disappoint, and bonus: there is a Playlist! 🖤
The author covers the trigger and content warnings so well, so please check these before you read.
September 3, 2024
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I absolutely loved it! The story pulled me in and had me glued to the pages till the very end. And there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing and questioning things the whole way through. The world building was really good, and there were lots of secondary characters that I felt really added to the story. Nora definitely has issues that she doesn’t deal with well, especially at the beginning. And she has developed defense mechanisms to cope…but I loved how much more confident and strong she became as the story progressed. And August is everything you want in a dark book MMC…dangerous, mysterious, dominant and fiercly protective. The tension and heat between him and Nora practically sizzled off the pages. Be aware, there are some subjects that could be triggering for some people, so please be sure to check the TW before reading. But if you like a good romantic suspense, definitely add this one to your TBR!!
November 16, 2024
Oona’s writing is absolutely incredible. I’m rocked by it and need to process this book still, but while it’s fresh in my mind I wanted to say infinite stars.
I got completely lost in this book and it reminds me of why I fell in love with reading in the first place. Her ability to paint such vivid imagery while keeping you on your toes needs to be scientifically studied. I absolutely cannot wait for The Home Of The Damned and will be dropping EVERYTHING in my life to read it immediately!
I’m obsessed with Nora and August. This book is the definition of romantic suspense and I ate it up! I didn’t just love The House Of The Wicked, I craved it. Needed it in my bones. If you are contemplating reading, you need to bite the bullet and do it. NOW. Bump it up on your TBR because your life will be changed after experiencing Oona’s work. I adore her and would read her grocery list if she let me.
I got completely lost in this book and it reminds me of why I fell in love with reading in the first place. Her ability to paint such vivid imagery while keeping you on your toes needs to be scientifically studied. I absolutely cannot wait for The Home Of The Damned and will be dropping EVERYTHING in my life to read it immediately!
I’m obsessed with Nora and August. This book is the definition of romantic suspense and I ate it up! I didn’t just love The House Of The Wicked, I craved it. Needed it in my bones. If you are contemplating reading, you need to bite the bullet and do it. NOW. Bump it up on your TBR because your life will be changed after experiencing Oona’s work. I adore her and would read her grocery list if she let me.
September 8, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Curvaceous, Intelligent and Bad Ass FMC
Tattooed, dirty talking with a hint of mystery MMC
This is the second ARC I have read for this incredible author and I was not disappointed.
House of the Wicked follows Nora our FMC who navigates living in a wealthy part of town with her godfather Ricky. Ricky is a cartel boss and basically a bad dude. Nora is a prisoner of sorts in her gilded cage by Ricky who uses the death of her parents as a way to control her.
Nora deals with the grief of her parents death by engaging in “drowning” herself in the pool. Nora dreams of leaving and starting her own life far away from the House of the Wicked. One night she slips away to an art gallery where she meets August. After sharing a steamy kiss August shows up at Nora’s house as the new head of security for her uncle Ricky.
As the author weaves the story of the raven and snake we learn about the connection between Nora and August and how far he’ll go to protect her however it’s not always the way Nora wants to be protected as August weaves his own web of lies.
I was not sure what to expect with this book as it’s quite different from the authors first two books. I appreciate the darker themes and the mystery element. I was a little bummed that it took a while to get to the hot stuff but when you finally get to it the author does not disappoint.
I would recommend reading this if you like dark themes, slow burn that does NOT disappoint and a strong FMC that comes into her own.
Also the author provides extensive trigger warnings as well as a dick-tionary that points you to the steamy chapters
Thanks for letting me be a part of your ARC team Oona 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Curvaceous, Intelligent and Bad Ass FMC
Tattooed, dirty talking with a hint of mystery MMC
This is the second ARC I have read for this incredible author and I was not disappointed.
House of the Wicked follows Nora our FMC who navigates living in a wealthy part of town with her godfather Ricky. Ricky is a cartel boss and basically a bad dude. Nora is a prisoner of sorts in her gilded cage by Ricky who uses the death of her parents as a way to control her.
Nora deals with the grief of her parents death by engaging in “drowning” herself in the pool. Nora dreams of leaving and starting her own life far away from the House of the Wicked. One night she slips away to an art gallery where she meets August. After sharing a steamy kiss August shows up at Nora’s house as the new head of security for her uncle Ricky.
As the author weaves the story of the raven and snake we learn about the connection between Nora and August and how far he’ll go to protect her however it’s not always the way Nora wants to be protected as August weaves his own web of lies.
I was not sure what to expect with this book as it’s quite different from the authors first two books. I appreciate the darker themes and the mystery element. I was a little bummed that it took a while to get to the hot stuff but when you finally get to it the author does not disappoint.
I would recommend reading this if you like dark themes, slow burn that does NOT disappoint and a strong FMC that comes into her own.
Also the author provides extensive trigger warnings as well as a dick-tionary that points you to the steamy chapters
Thanks for letting me be a part of your ARC team Oona 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book, I remember being intrigued once I saw it and immediately signed up for an arc which I’m so happy I received, thank you so much to the author 🤍
The book was action packed and had me hooked from the very first page, I almost read it in one sitting and would have if I didn’t need sleep in my life.
The tension and spice in this was amazing 😮💨 it was definitely a page turner, and I cannot wait for more of the snake and the raven.
4.5 ⭐️
The book was action packed and had me hooked from the very first page, I almost read it in one sitting and would have if I didn’t need sleep in my life.
The tension and spice in this was amazing 😮💨 it was definitely a page turner, and I cannot wait for more of the snake and the raven.
4.5 ⭐️
September 23, 2024
OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS! I got this as an ARC and thank the old gods and the new that I did. I absolutely loved it. From the second I started reading it, it just consumed my thoughts. The whole time I’m like.. ok what is going to happen, what are we getting at here, who are these people, WHAT IS HAPPENING! And that ending. Holy crap.. THAT ENDING! When does book 2 come out?
October 9, 2024
When a life of crime is not for you, but dammit….your bodyguard is fire.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The FMC is trapped in a world of crime, the same world the MMC seems so at home in. This book takes you on a ride (more than one type ;) with secrets and plot twists you won’t see coming. The romance is slow burn with forced proximity and a side of touch her and 💀 vibes. I can’t wait for what’s next from Oona!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The FMC is trapped in a world of crime, the same world the MMC seems so at home in. This book takes you on a ride (more than one type ;) with secrets and plot twists you won’t see coming. The romance is slow burn with forced proximity and a side of touch her and 💀 vibes. I can’t wait for what’s next from Oona!
October 20, 2024
If you enjoy a good mafia romance with a slooooow burn, you need to read this book! I wasn’t suspecting all the action and suspense in the second half of the book and that made it SO much better. There were multiple plot twists toward the end that I didn’t see coming…I can’t wait for the next book!
September 21, 2024
Some books I wish I could give more than 5 ⭐️ and this baby is def one of them!!!!! Nora my sweet bird & August is a BEAST🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 the twists and turns and bombs dropped Omggggggggg loved loved loved can’t wait for book 2
October 10, 2024
BEST ARC read yet! I was in love with this book from start to finish. Lots of suspense and wondering what was going to happen next. She left me on such a cliffhanger too! Very domineering MMC and lots of spice. Cannot wait to read the next one!!
October 12, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
God fucking damn it, Oona 😭 This was so good, very gripping, and had me legitimately screaming at some points. Thank you for sharing this ARC with me and trusting us ARC readers to tell it to you straight because girl… HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR HOUSE OF THE DAMNED NOW.
Spice was *chefs kiss*
Suspense and thriller was top tier.
This fucking cliffhanger has me ready to fight at dawn for Nora.
God fucking damn it, Oona 😭 This was so good, very gripping, and had me legitimately screaming at some points. Thank you for sharing this ARC with me and trusting us ARC readers to tell it to you straight because girl… HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR HOUSE OF THE DAMNED NOW.
Spice was *chefs kiss*
Suspense and thriller was top tier.
This fucking cliffhanger has me ready to fight at dawn for Nora.
September 4, 2024
I got an ARC for this book! Overall, this is a good book. It reads like a movie to me. Nora is very human and her behaviors (even her attraction to August) match well with her history of loss and violence. I, like Nora, still need more answers though!!!!!!
This may seem very critical, but these are such small things in the whole scheme of the book. I’m also an idiot, so take that into consideration too. 💅🏻 Some things that keep me thinking:
1. I thought August’s criticism of Nora’s role in her godfather’s work was pretty harsh (as if he’s perfect). It’s not like she WANTED to do that work. And she knew if she didn’t, it could put her in a precarious situation (death?!?!??!?). AND and she already felt horribly guilty about it and was attempting to get out of the situation. Seemed very hypocritical to me and turned me off from him. (However, he’s definitely not even my top book boyfriends so I can’t be too mad).
2. I’m not a fan of the chapter “titles” pulled from lines in the chapter. Most of them didn’t give me anything and didn’t feel necessary.
3. The prologue from August’s pov seemed so different and dark from the rest of his pov chapters? Idk maybe it’ll just be me, but I didn’t get those same feelings from him elsewhere. He very much seemed like a murderer from that one chapter. And I actually thought he was going to be hunting people (specifically women)! I was wanting some more of that (almost poetic) darkness.
4. NOTHING better happen to Thalia. I wish we got more with her and Nora tbh.
5. I thought the word trauma was used a bit too much. But maybe that’s because it’s such a therapy trigger word. I definitely know they were going through some shit without it being said explicitly. This book is steeped in grief, so being too explicit can detract from it imo. At that point, I’m just reading it and not feeling it.
This may seem very critical, but these are such small things in the whole scheme of the book. I’m also an idiot, so take that into consideration too. 💅🏻 Some things that keep me thinking:
1. I thought August’s criticism of Nora’s role in her godfather’s work was pretty harsh (as if he’s perfect). It’s not like she WANTED to do that work. And she knew if she didn’t, it could put her in a precarious situation (death?!?!??!?). AND and she already felt horribly guilty about it and was attempting to get out of the situation. Seemed very hypocritical to me and turned me off from him. (However, he’s definitely not even my top book boyfriends so I can’t be too mad).
2. I’m not a fan of the chapter “titles” pulled from lines in the chapter. Most of them didn’t give me anything and didn’t feel necessary.
3. The prologue from August’s pov seemed so different and dark from the rest of his pov chapters? Idk maybe it’ll just be me, but I didn’t get those same feelings from him elsewhere. He very much seemed like a murderer from that one chapter. And I actually thought he was going to be hunting people (specifically women)! I was wanting some more of that (almost poetic) darkness.
4. NOTHING better happen to Thalia. I wish we got more with her and Nora tbh.
5. I thought the word trauma was used a bit too much. But maybe that’s because it’s such a therapy trigger word. I definitely know they were going through some shit without it being said explicitly. This book is steeped in grief, so being too explicit can detract from it imo. At that point, I’m just reading it and not feeling it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
that book was a wild ride! The angst in it had me on the edge of my seat. I'm still trying to process everything that happened. But overall, it was a really good read.
October 10, 2024
I absolutely could not put this book down and now I can’t wait for the next one. It was broody and amazing.
October 14, 2024
4.5⭐️
Another wonderful book by Oona! Great spice, on the darker side. Story of a woman raised in a gang/terf war situation. So many tropes: Forced proximity, one bed, 🤩🤩🤩😘 And epic cliff hanger!!!!
Another wonderful book by Oona! Great spice, on the darker side. Story of a woman raised in a gang/terf war situation. So many tropes: Forced proximity, one bed, 🤩🤩🤩😘 And epic cliff hanger!!!!
September 5, 2024
The house of the wicked by Oona Arlo
“For every girl who dreamed of changing her life, only to end up fucking a hot guy instead.”
Rate: 5/5✨
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thoughts: 💭
Being chosen to be an ARC is the biggest honor I have gotten. This book was crazy! Like jaw dropping chapters every time you get more into the book. So this rating got to be a 5/5✨
The characters in the book were great! Especially Nora, this girl has been through more trauma than any of the other books I have read. So please somebody give her a break, and have a redeem arc in the next book. The greatest part I can say was the ending when she decided to become a bad bitch! Like pop off girl!
Then we got August, like ugh. 😩 Tattoos, buff looking guy, over protective say less. Besides him having a dick personality in my opinion, I can admit that he was the best. Especially when he calls Nora “Little Raven”. This guy had me simping for him for no reason. 😂
Then the whole plot of the story, like girl you had me think of my home town. Then the insane plot twists that were revealed at the ending of the book! Like them related nah, and their dad betraying him. Like oof, I need to know more! Please release book 2 asap!
I would highly recommend this book to those who love:
1) Dark romance
2) Forbidden love
3) Tattoo motorcycle MMC
“For every girl who dreamed of changing her life, only to end up fucking a hot guy instead.”
Rate: 5/5✨
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thoughts: 💭
Being chosen to be an ARC is the biggest honor I have gotten. This book was crazy! Like jaw dropping chapters every time you get more into the book. So this rating got to be a 5/5✨
The characters in the book were great! Especially Nora, this girl has been through more trauma than any of the other books I have read. So please somebody give her a break, and have a redeem arc in the next book. The greatest part I can say was the ending when she decided to become a bad bitch! Like pop off girl!
Then we got August, like ugh. 😩 Tattoos, buff looking guy, over protective say less. Besides him having a dick personality in my opinion, I can admit that he was the best. Especially when he calls Nora “Little Raven”. This guy had me simping for him for no reason. 😂
Then the whole plot of the story, like girl you had me think of my home town. Then the insane plot twists that were revealed at the ending of the book! Like them related nah, and their dad betraying him. Like oof, I need to know more! Please release book 2 asap!
I would highly recommend this book to those who love:
1) Dark romance
2) Forbidden love
3) Tattoo motorcycle MMC
October 13, 2024
Spectacular, stunning, gritty, gripping, just honestly one of the best romantic suspense books I've read in a long time, if ever.
Nora lives her life in a gilded cage, being fed just enough information about her gang/ mob boss guardian to keep her complacent. She's still reeling from the guilt of her parents' deaths, taking calculated risks to gain full freedom from her current life.
In comes August, head of security and broody hulking man. The fireworks and tension continue to fly between the two. August is possessive, obsessive, and unwilling to fully soften for Nora, but that's exactly what she needs.
This had searing slow burn, tension, angst, and so many twists. The spice was absolutely worth the wait 🔥🥵🫠 This was a rollercoaster, edge of your seat type of book as we watch our MCs dodge trouble at every turn and fight for their lives amid a gang war with two rival crime bosses.
The cliffhanger had me screaming! I can't wait to get my hands on book 2, although I promise to wait patiently! I just want to see Nora in her revenge/villain era.
Thank you to Oona for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Nora lives her life in a gilded cage, being fed just enough information about her gang/ mob boss guardian to keep her complacent. She's still reeling from the guilt of her parents' deaths, taking calculated risks to gain full freedom from her current life.
In comes August, head of security and broody hulking man. The fireworks and tension continue to fly between the two. August is possessive, obsessive, and unwilling to fully soften for Nora, but that's exactly what she needs.
This had searing slow burn, tension, angst, and so many twists. The spice was absolutely worth the wait 🔥🥵🫠 This was a rollercoaster, edge of your seat type of book as we watch our MCs dodge trouble at every turn and fight for their lives amid a gang war with two rival crime bosses.
The cliffhanger had me screaming! I can't wait to get my hands on book 2, although I promise to wait patiently! I just want to see Nora in her revenge/villain era.
Thank you to Oona for the opportunity to read this ARC!
September 16, 2024
Four, but closer to five stars! I read this ARC in two days flat, which is pretty fast for me. I got totally entranced.
August had my jaw on the damn floor. My dear God.
The cliffhanger makes me wanna drag Oona Arlo from her post-ARC quiet-time and tell me exactly what happens next.
I think that any mild confusions I have will be the kind that are teased out in the next book.
Thank you so much for the privilege to read this ARC! I loved this and can’t wait to buy a physical copy.
If you’re reading this, add to cart and press buy.
August had my jaw on the damn floor. My dear God.
The cliffhanger makes me wanna drag Oona Arlo from her post-ARC quiet-time and tell me exactly what happens next.
I think that any mild confusions I have will be the kind that are teased out in the next book.
Thank you so much for the privilege to read this ARC! I loved this and can’t wait to buy a physical copy.
If you’re reading this, add to cart and press buy.
December 9, 2024
First and foremost, I am so honored to have received this ARC because holy 🤯. This was captivating, suspenseful, passionate, and pure brilliance from Arlo.
Truly, a fast paced and wicked story line. I did not see those plot twists coming, I was so invested in Nora, being able to really place myself in her shoes while she navigated everything throughout the book.
The most disappointing thing about this book is the fact I now have to wait to read the next one. It’s just THAT good, and I’ll be letting everyone know that this HAS to be on the top of your TBR.
August has me in a book boyfriend chokehold, and I’m not sure I’ll ever want to breathe anyone else. 🥵
If you like:
🥵 SLOOOOOOOOOOW BURNS
🤯 PLOT TWISTS
🚫 FORBIDDEN ROMANCE
🔪 VIOLENCE
⚠️ ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
🌶️ BURNING HOT SPICE
….go on and read it - you will not be disappointed!!
Truly, a fast paced and wicked story line. I did not see those plot twists coming, I was so invested in Nora, being able to really place myself in her shoes while she navigated everything throughout the book.
The most disappointing thing about this book is the fact I now have to wait to read the next one. It’s just THAT good, and I’ll be letting everyone know that this HAS to be on the top of your TBR.
August has me in a book boyfriend chokehold, and I’m not sure I’ll ever want to breathe anyone else. 🥵
If you like:
🥵 SLOOOOOOOOOOW BURNS
🤯 PLOT TWISTS
🚫 FORBIDDEN ROMANCE
🔪 VIOLENCE
⚠️ ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
🌶️ BURNING HOT SPICE
….go on and read it - you will not be disappointed!!
October 16, 2024
Thank you so much to Oona Arlo for the ARC! <3
‘The house of the wicked shall be overthrown but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish’.
Few books are as complete as “ The House of the Wicked”. It even feels like a sin to label it simply as a “dark-romance” in order to appease the Gods of Book Marketing. The book has everything: mafia, violence, plot twists, enigmas, smut, character development and even some mystery. While the focus of the book is certainly the romance between Nora and August as it is a 1st person dual POV, readers will not be disappointed to peel the layers that Oona Arlo wrote for them.
Nora, orphaned very young, is far from being an innocent soul. The proverb on the house foresees Nora’s future in this first book. We meet her as she feels like a prisoner in her godfather’s house, she goes nowhere without protection. As a result of losing her parents, she has a lot of moments where she brushes the feeling of death to be able to feel something. The water scenes are intense and can be triggering for some people but they have a reason. The loss of her parents, her having only two friends and no social life, it all takes a toll on her mental state. “The house of the wicked shall be overthrown” forecasts the dramatic events that will force Nora and August to flee the city. Those who harmed innocent people will be punished. “The tabernacle of the upright shall flourish” can mean that Nora’s role in the future of the family will bring some justice to a world that is engulfed in meaningless violence. Nora despises that world and August has to live in it. While Nora claims she rejects it, August has learned to navigate but not accept what the mafia has done to the city.
August is a complicated character to explain - he is violent and sometimes he is even rough with Nora, but at the same time he has soft moments with her. He is at the same time both protector and instigator - he does everything in his power to protect her from harm, helping her in difficult situations but he can also be a bit of a brute. He warns her of the consequences should he give in to his desires but he is evil. Evil, that’s the world, he is just a bad person, but not twisted! And Nora is no angel, she was aware of a lot of things about her godfather business and sometimes even helped him. Her and August know that while they are both from different sides, she still has darkness within her: when she flirts with death, when she is ready to surrender to August and even with the plot twist at the end.
Whilst in this first book we witness August going from a scary person to one that aided Nora, I hope in the second book the opposite will happen and it will be Nora’s time to be embraced by despair with August getting some redemption and remaining by her side to keep the balance. Because this book was balanced like that: while Nora tried to escape, August was there to keep her locked in the world of violence and death. When August finally realised he has to do everything to protect her and finally allow her to do what she always wanted, Nora’s journey comes full circle. The story both begins and ends in the house of the wicked and while at the beginning of the book, the house mirrors Nora’s mental state - delicate and flirting with insanity - by the end when Nora returns to it, the house represents all the possibilities for her future.
“You stabbed a man for looking at me.”
Damn right, he did! That scene alone earned this book a star. I have such a weak spot for a MC who is willing to burn the world for the FMC! If you wouldn’t stab a man who was creepy to the woman you love, is it even love?
‘The house of the wicked shall be overthrown but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish’.
Few books are as complete as “ The House of the Wicked”. It even feels like a sin to label it simply as a “dark-romance” in order to appease the Gods of Book Marketing. The book has everything: mafia, violence, plot twists, enigmas, smut, character development and even some mystery. While the focus of the book is certainly the romance between Nora and August as it is a 1st person dual POV, readers will not be disappointed to peel the layers that Oona Arlo wrote for them.
Nora, orphaned very young, is far from being an innocent soul. The proverb on the house foresees Nora’s future in this first book. We meet her as she feels like a prisoner in her godfather’s house, she goes nowhere without protection. As a result of losing her parents, she has a lot of moments where she brushes the feeling of death to be able to feel something. The water scenes are intense and can be triggering for some people but they have a reason. The loss of her parents, her having only two friends and no social life, it all takes a toll on her mental state. “The house of the wicked shall be overthrown” forecasts the dramatic events that will force Nora and August to flee the city. Those who harmed innocent people will be punished. “The tabernacle of the upright shall flourish” can mean that Nora’s role in the future of the family will bring some justice to a world that is engulfed in meaningless violence. Nora despises that world and August has to live in it. While Nora claims she rejects it, August has learned to navigate but not accept what the mafia has done to the city.
August is a complicated character to explain - he is violent and sometimes he is even rough with Nora, but at the same time he has soft moments with her. He is at the same time both protector and instigator - he does everything in his power to protect her from harm, helping her in difficult situations but he can also be a bit of a brute. He warns her of the consequences should he give in to his desires but he is evil. Evil, that’s the world, he is just a bad person, but not twisted! And Nora is no angel, she was aware of a lot of things about her godfather business and sometimes even helped him. Her and August know that while they are both from different sides, she still has darkness within her: when she flirts with death, when she is ready to surrender to August and even with the plot twist at the end.
Whilst in this first book we witness August going from a scary person to one that aided Nora, I hope in the second book the opposite will happen and it will be Nora’s time to be embraced by despair with August getting some redemption and remaining by her side to keep the balance. Because this book was balanced like that: while Nora tried to escape, August was there to keep her locked in the world of violence and death. When August finally realised he has to do everything to protect her and finally allow her to do what she always wanted, Nora’s journey comes full circle. The story both begins and ends in the house of the wicked and while at the beginning of the book, the house mirrors Nora’s mental state - delicate and flirting with insanity - by the end when Nora returns to it, the house represents all the possibilities for her future.
“You stabbed a man for looking at me.”
Damn right, he did! That scene alone earned this book a star. I have such a weak spot for a MC who is willing to burn the world for the FMC! If you wouldn’t stab a man who was creepy to the woman you love, is it even love?
September 15, 2024
The House of the Wicked
Oona Arlo
Tropes:
🥀 Romantic Suspense
🥀 Protective MMC
🥀 Forbidden Romance
🥀 Forced Proximity
🥀 Crime Family
🥀 Slow Burn
The House of the Wicked, the first in Oona Arlo's The Snake and the Raven series, is a thrilling mix of romantic suspense and crime drama. The story follows Nora, an orphan raised by her crime lord godfather in the violent city of Port Manaus. Sheltered yet complicit in her godfather's illegal operations, Nora reaches a breaking point after a gang-related murder and decides to escape her life of crime.
Standing in her way is August, the family’s mysterious head of security. As they’re forced to flee together, Nora and August's undeniable chemistry complicates everything. He warns her not to trust him, but as danger mounts, their connection deepens. Soon, Nora realizes that the real threat may come from the man who raised her.
Fast-paced and full of tension, The House of the Wicked is a gripping read, blending action, romance, and unexpected twists. Nora’s fight for freedom and the electric dynamic with August make this an addictive start to the series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, I have SO many questions that I need answers to! Wow, what a read!
TWs:
Hate, Discrimination & Oppression
⚠️ Gentrification - mentioned
⚠️Homelessness - mentioned
⚠️ Poverty - mentioned
Sex and Sexual Violence
⚠️ Dubious consent scenarios - on page
⚠️ Attempted rape - on page
⚠️ Sexual harassment - on page
⚠️ Rough sex - on page
⚠️ Dominance and submission dynamics - on page
⚠️ Bondage with improvised restraints - on page
⚠️ Graphic sex - on page
⚠️ Agoraphilia - on page
Mental Health and Suicide
⚠️ Anxiety & anxiety attacks - mentioned
⚠️ Depression - mentioned
⚠️ Disordered weight & body thoughts - mentioned
⚠️ Self-harm - on page
⚠️ Suicidal ideation- on page
⚠️ Alcohol and Drugs
⚠️ Alcohol consumption - mentioned
⚠️ Drug abuse - mentioned
Blood, Injury & Medical
⚠️ Blood & gore depiction - on page
⚠️ Chronic illness & chronic pain - mentioned ⚠️ Dead bodies & body parts - mentioned
⚠️ Physical injuries - on page
Death and Loss
⚠️ Death of a parent & guardian - mentioned and on page
⚠️Grief & loss depiction - mentioned
Violence and Crime
⚠️ Asphyxia, strangulation & suffocation - on page
⚠️ Captivity & confinement - on page
⚠️ Gang violence - on page
⚠️ Gun violence - on page
⚠️ Knife violence - on page
⚠️ Murder & attempted murder - on page
⚠️ Organized crime - on page
⚠️ Physical assault - on page
⚠️ Stalking - mentioned
Oona Arlo
Tropes:
🥀 Romantic Suspense
🥀 Protective MMC
🥀 Forbidden Romance
🥀 Forced Proximity
🥀 Crime Family
🥀 Slow Burn
The House of the Wicked, the first in Oona Arlo's The Snake and the Raven series, is a thrilling mix of romantic suspense and crime drama. The story follows Nora, an orphan raised by her crime lord godfather in the violent city of Port Manaus. Sheltered yet complicit in her godfather's illegal operations, Nora reaches a breaking point after a gang-related murder and decides to escape her life of crime.
Standing in her way is August, the family’s mysterious head of security. As they’re forced to flee together, Nora and August's undeniable chemistry complicates everything. He warns her not to trust him, but as danger mounts, their connection deepens. Soon, Nora realizes that the real threat may come from the man who raised her.
Fast-paced and full of tension, The House of the Wicked is a gripping read, blending action, romance, and unexpected twists. Nora’s fight for freedom and the electric dynamic with August make this an addictive start to the series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, I have SO many questions that I need answers to! Wow, what a read!
TWs:
Hate, Discrimination & Oppression
⚠️ Gentrification - mentioned
⚠️Homelessness - mentioned
⚠️ Poverty - mentioned
Sex and Sexual Violence
⚠️ Dubious consent scenarios - on page
⚠️ Attempted rape - on page
⚠️ Sexual harassment - on page
⚠️ Rough sex - on page
⚠️ Dominance and submission dynamics - on page
⚠️ Bondage with improvised restraints - on page
⚠️ Graphic sex - on page
⚠️ Agoraphilia - on page
Mental Health and Suicide
⚠️ Anxiety & anxiety attacks - mentioned
⚠️ Depression - mentioned
⚠️ Disordered weight & body thoughts - mentioned
⚠️ Self-harm - on page
⚠️ Suicidal ideation- on page
⚠️ Alcohol and Drugs
⚠️ Alcohol consumption - mentioned
⚠️ Drug abuse - mentioned
Blood, Injury & Medical
⚠️ Blood & gore depiction - on page
⚠️ Chronic illness & chronic pain - mentioned ⚠️ Dead bodies & body parts - mentioned
⚠️ Physical injuries - on page
Death and Loss
⚠️ Death of a parent & guardian - mentioned and on page
⚠️Grief & loss depiction - mentioned
Violence and Crime
⚠️ Asphyxia, strangulation & suffocation - on page
⚠️ Captivity & confinement - on page
⚠️ Gang violence - on page
⚠️ Gun violence - on page
⚠️ Knife violence - on page
⚠️ Murder & attempted murder - on page
⚠️ Organized crime - on page
⚠️ Physical assault - on page
⚠️ Stalking - mentioned
October 17, 2024
⭐️: 4/5
I knew this book was going to a vibe when I saw the dedication page and the dick-tionary letting you know where the spicy scenes are.
This is my first book by Oona and I was not disappointed! & I will patiently be waiting for The Home of The Damned (Book Two).
🐍 Romantic Suspense
🐦⬛ Crime Family
🐍 Protective MMC
🐦⬛ Forced Proximity
🐍 Touch Her & Die
🐦⬛ Morally Gray Characters
🐍 SLOW burn
“Beware of the man you think you know”
Orphaned as a child, Nora is taken under the wings of her godfather - her controlling and protective - crime lord godfather who sweeps her right into his world. When a gang related murder causes chaos to ensue, it gives Nora a new perspective on the world she desperately wants out of and freedom she’s always dreamed of. The person standing in front of her freedom? Her new head of security, August. In a world where trust shouldn’t be given freely, Nora can’t help being drawn to August. She knows she shouldn’t trust him .. he’s even told her himself she shouldn’t trust him. The more Nora deep dives into the life she thought she knew, she’s left with more questions than answers.
I was immediately hooked from the start to the end, especially the end (it was really starting to pick up!!). There were parts I just didn’t see coming and that always makes for a fun surprise.
The slow burn was worth the wait (with characters and the storyline). The playfulness and banter between August and Nora was great, they constantly kept the other on their toes. Their chemistry was there from their first encounter and it was fun watching it grow throughout the story. I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to Nora in the sense of just wanting to have fun/experience life and not being able to stay away from the one man you know you should stay away from!
This story doesn’t lack where trauma is involved. It’s really important to understand their background with the trauma they both face and I think it was outlined well. It definitely shaped them into the characters we see before us and how that trauma not only affects how they see themselves, but how others see them as well.
Just wanted to put a special appreciation for Yves, I really enjoyed his side character comments LOL.
~ Please make note of the trigger warnings prior to reading! ~
Thank you so much to BookFunnel and of course, Oona Arlo for an advanced reader copy of The House Of The Wicked. This review is being left voluntarily and it reflects my honest opinions.
I knew this book was going to a vibe when I saw the dedication page and the dick-tionary letting you know where the spicy scenes are.
This is my first book by Oona and I was not disappointed! & I will patiently be waiting for The Home of The Damned (Book Two).
🐍 Romantic Suspense
🐦⬛ Crime Family
🐍 Protective MMC
🐦⬛ Forced Proximity
🐍 Touch Her & Die
🐦⬛ Morally Gray Characters
🐍 SLOW burn
“Beware of the man you think you know”
Orphaned as a child, Nora is taken under the wings of her godfather - her controlling and protective - crime lord godfather who sweeps her right into his world. When a gang related murder causes chaos to ensue, it gives Nora a new perspective on the world she desperately wants out of and freedom she’s always dreamed of. The person standing in front of her freedom? Her new head of security, August. In a world where trust shouldn’t be given freely, Nora can’t help being drawn to August. She knows she shouldn’t trust him .. he’s even told her himself she shouldn’t trust him. The more Nora deep dives into the life she thought she knew, she’s left with more questions than answers.
I was immediately hooked from the start to the end, especially the end (it was really starting to pick up!!). There were parts I just didn’t see coming and that always makes for a fun surprise.
The slow burn was worth the wait (with characters and the storyline). The playfulness and banter between August and Nora was great, they constantly kept the other on their toes. Their chemistry was there from their first encounter and it was fun watching it grow throughout the story. I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to Nora in the sense of just wanting to have fun/experience life and not being able to stay away from the one man you know you should stay away from!
This story doesn’t lack where trauma is involved. It’s really important to understand their background with the trauma they both face and I think it was outlined well. It definitely shaped them into the characters we see before us and how that trauma not only affects how they see themselves, but how others see them as well.
Just wanted to put a special appreciation for Yves, I really enjoyed his side character comments LOL.
~ Please make note of the trigger warnings prior to reading! ~
Thank you so much to BookFunnel and of course, Oona Arlo for an advanced reader copy of The House Of The Wicked. This review is being left voluntarily and it reflects my honest opinions.
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