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He’s known as the executioner for one of Chicago’s most dangerous crime organizations…
But I know him as my best friend’s father.
My name is Sia Reynolds. I’m a girl with an unsettling past, and the outlook of my future seems even bleaker. I need a job to get my life back on track so when my best friend (and only friend) Lettie suggests I work for her more than abrasive father I have little choice but to take her up on the offer. I had no idea that meant committing to a life of secrecy bathed in blood…
Nor how much I’d like it.
My name is Maxim Petrov, and my father is the head of the Chicago Bratva. I’m thirty-six-years old, and I want to make the young girl in my home bleed. I’d take great pleasure out of it, but what’s more alarming is what I’d like to do more. Sia Reynolds would look lovely flushed against my sheets, but she’s my daughter’s friend and nearly half my age. Pity as I’d enjoy seeing her tremble in a different way. I want to chase her as much as I’d enjoy a taste…
I may not be able to resist either.
Sia is a standalone contemporary dark romance inspired by Anastasia. It’s not a literal retelling, and the hero has so many red flags there’s no way I’m telling my mother I actually wrote this story. A full list of content warnings will be posted on the author’s website upon release.
This book was partially published on Kindle Vella as a serial, but it’s now complete and ready to read. Nothing major has been changed about the story. Enjoy!
But I know him as my best friend’s father.
My name is Sia Reynolds. I’m a girl with an unsettling past, and the outlook of my future seems even bleaker. I need a job to get my life back on track so when my best friend (and only friend) Lettie suggests I work for her more than abrasive father I have little choice but to take her up on the offer. I had no idea that meant committing to a life of secrecy bathed in blood…
Nor how much I’d like it.
My name is Maxim Petrov, and my father is the head of the Chicago Bratva. I’m thirty-six-years old, and I want to make the young girl in my home bleed. I’d take great pleasure out of it, but what’s more alarming is what I’d like to do more. Sia Reynolds would look lovely flushed against my sheets, but she’s my daughter’s friend and nearly half my age. Pity as I’d enjoy seeing her tremble in a different way. I want to chase her as much as I’d enjoy a taste…
I may not be able to resist either.
Sia is a standalone contemporary dark romance inspired by Anastasia. It’s not a literal retelling, and the hero has so many red flags there’s no way I’m telling my mother I actually wrote this story. A full list of content warnings will be posted on the author’s website upon release.
This book was partially published on Kindle Vella as a serial, but it’s now complete and ready to read. Nothing major has been changed about the story. Enjoy!
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
1724 people are currently reading
4215 people want to read
About the author
Eden O'Neill
22 books2,994 followersEden O’Neill is an Amazon top 10 bestselling romance author known for sweeping readers off their feet with dark romance, fire-emoji-level spice, and a whole lot of angsty feelings. Eden inspires audiences to embrace their desires without shame—whether they want to fulfill them through fiction…or otherwise.
She teases over 100,000 followers on Tiktok and Instagram every week with her sassy (and ultra spicy) videos that pack an emotional punch. Her debut dark romance series featuring a found family spanning multiple generations has sold over 85,000 ebooks and paperbacks and continues to tantalize readers with passionate stories about morally gray heroes and the heroines who have no problem breaking them.
When Eden is not penning spicy reads, she can be found at Disney World with her favorite human and a vegan beignet. She’s also a dog mom of one good corgi and another one who’s doing her best.
Subscribe to Eden's newsletter and get a link to freebies! ➳ https://bit.ly/2TBbygm
My Tiktok ➳ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJnSCRBc/
Eden's IG ➳ https://www.instagram.com/edenoneillw...
Eden's Facebook group ➳ https://bit.ly/38Ow81K
Facebook page ➳ https://bit.ly/37O75L8
She teases over 100,000 followers on Tiktok and Instagram every week with her sassy (and ultra spicy) videos that pack an emotional punch. Her debut dark romance series featuring a found family spanning multiple generations has sold over 85,000 ebooks and paperbacks and continues to tantalize readers with passionate stories about morally gray heroes and the heroines who have no problem breaking them.
When Eden is not penning spicy reads, she can be found at Disney World with her favorite human and a vegan beignet. She’s also a dog mom of one good corgi and another one who’s doing her best.
Subscribe to Eden's newsletter and get a link to freebies! ➳ https://bit.ly/2TBbygm
My Tiktok ➳ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJnSCRBc/
Eden's IG ➳ https://www.instagram.com/edenoneillw...
Eden's Facebook group ➳ https://bit.ly/38Ow81K
Facebook page ➳ https://bit.ly/37O75L8
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
December 30, 2025
₊⊹⁀➴ 3 stars
plot was existent, but there were plot holes? i don’t know what this says about me, but was genuinely read bc thought the age gap aspect was hot. will i think abt this story much moving on? no.
plot was existent, but there were plot holes? i don’t know what this says about me, but was genuinely read bc thought the age gap aspect was hot. will i think abt this story much moving on? no.
September 3, 2025
Wonderful
This book is superb! This was my first read by this author and I’m not disappointed!!!!! I can’t wait to read more. The plot twists are amazing! Just read the damn book!
This book is superb! This was my first read by this author and I’m not disappointed!!!!! I can’t wait to read more. The plot twists are amazing! Just read the damn book!
May 5, 2025
Did I like the story: yes. Would I recommend this as a dark romance: also yes. Unpopular opinion: I wouldn’t categorize as a mafia romance. The main character wasn’t believable as who he was portrayed. The book could have been rewritten as him being a rich man and still have been the same book.
2.5 ✨
2.5 ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
Loved it
I absolutely love this story. Sia has not always had an easy life, so when her friend gives her a job at her family home it's the perfect way to start over. Little does she know that life is about to change forever. Secrets she didn't even know will be revealed. And her new boss? Yummy
I absolutely love this story. Sia has not always had an easy life, so when her friend gives her a job at her family home it's the perfect way to start over. Little does she know that life is about to change forever. Secrets she didn't even know will be revealed. And her new boss? Yummy
June 9, 2025
Maxim and Sia's story was quite interesting and dramatic to read. I'm not a big fan of the "Falling for my Best Friend's DAD" trope, but I liked the plot twists in this one.
November 13, 2025
I originally wanted to give this 2.5 out of 5 stars, but than the epilogue happened….
Anyways, this book was not the worst but not my piece of cake. I for real need to stay away from the dark romances 😭
This book could’ve been better, the plot was interesting but poorly executed by the author. It’s a shame honestly.
Shoutout to Val, my fav character from the book <3
— read with Sam 🫶🏻
Anyways, this book was not the worst but not my piece of cake. I for real need to stay away from the dark romances 😭
This book could’ve been better, the plot was interesting but poorly executed by the author. It’s a shame honestly.
Shoutout to Val, my fav character from the book <3
— read with Sam 🫶🏻
March 31, 2025
Sia & Maxim
I enjoyed the plot but I struggled with the writing. Not sure why, it just didn’t flow well for me. The story was good though.
I enjoyed the plot but I struggled with the writing. Not sure why, it just didn’t flow well for me. The story was good though.
November 14, 2025
not even memorable enough as a bad book. some parts pissed me off more than it should but whatever
— read with fiore
— read with fiore
November 19, 2025
Wow. Sia by Eden O’Neill is the kind of dark romance that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. This book is painful, addictive, and beautifully written in that signature O’Neill way that makes you feel every bruise on the characters’ hearts.
Sia is a character I fell for instantly—broken, guarded, and trying so hard to hold herself together. Her trauma isn’t just mentioned; it shapes her, haunts her, and ultimately pushes her toward the one person she should never have wanted.
And then there’s Maxim—her best friend’s father, wrapped in danger, power, and a past soaked in darkness. The mafia elements just make him even more magnetic. The age gap, the forbidden pull, the tension every time they share a scene… it’s everything I want in a dark romance and more.
Their chemistry? Unreal. It’s messy, toxic, healing, destructive—everything at once. Eden O’Neill writes their dynamic with so much intensity that even the quiet moments feel loaded.
And the plot twist? I didn’t see it coming. It hit like a punch to the chest and made the entire story click into place in the most haunting way.
If you love:
• dark, trauma-heavy romance
• best friend’s dad tropes
• mafia danger and power imbalance
• forbidden tension with emotional depth
• characters who break and love hard
…then this book is absolutely for you.
Sia is a character I fell for instantly—broken, guarded, and trying so hard to hold herself together. Her trauma isn’t just mentioned; it shapes her, haunts her, and ultimately pushes her toward the one person she should never have wanted.
And then there’s Maxim—her best friend’s father, wrapped in danger, power, and a past soaked in darkness. The mafia elements just make him even more magnetic. The age gap, the forbidden pull, the tension every time they share a scene… it’s everything I want in a dark romance and more.
Their chemistry? Unreal. It’s messy, toxic, healing, destructive—everything at once. Eden O’Neill writes their dynamic with so much intensity that even the quiet moments feel loaded.
And the plot twist? I didn’t see it coming. It hit like a punch to the chest and made the entire story click into place in the most haunting way.
If you love:
• dark, trauma-heavy romance
• best friend’s dad tropes
• mafia danger and power imbalance
• forbidden tension with emotional depth
• characters who break and love hard
…then this book is absolutely for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I’m so glad I did!
An Anastasia retelling with a mafia and dark romance? Sign me up!
I have read Eden’s other books and this is different than her Court High/Court University/Court Legacies and NOT in a bad way. It was nice to see these different characters and follow their journey, plus adding it was an Anastasia retelling added to it!
Maxim definitely gives off mafia daddy vibes and Sia is not an airhead young girl- she has some grit and bratty tendencies. The secondary characters had background and definitely added to the story as well. You wanted to know more about them.
*Spoiler* my favorite “light hearted” scene was when Maxim was trying to walk Polly and Sia was watching from the window. The description was perfect and I could just picture him out there was his OJ trying to figure out how to get the German Shepherd to move. 😂
Of the course the spice was *chefs kiss*
The first couple chapters of this book kept it from being a 5 star for me simply because I found myself skimming a paragraph or 2 and still understanding the storyline. Once I got to the bar scene though where Maxim got alpha protector over Sia I couldn’t stop reading.
An Anastasia retelling with a mafia and dark romance? Sign me up!
I have read Eden’s other books and this is different than her Court High/Court University/Court Legacies and NOT in a bad way. It was nice to see these different characters and follow their journey, plus adding it was an Anastasia retelling added to it!
Maxim definitely gives off mafia daddy vibes and Sia is not an airhead young girl- she has some grit and bratty tendencies. The secondary characters had background and definitely added to the story as well. You wanted to know more about them.
*Spoiler* my favorite “light hearted” scene was when Maxim was trying to walk Polly and Sia was watching from the window. The description was perfect and I could just picture him out there was his OJ trying to figure out how to get the German Shepherd to move. 😂
Of the course the spice was *chefs kiss*
The first couple chapters of this book kept it from being a 5 star for me simply because I found myself skimming a paragraph or 2 and still understanding the storyline. Once I got to the bar scene though where Maxim got alpha protector over Sia I couldn’t stop reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
have been dying for another Eden O'Neill book and let me tell you she did NOT disappoint 😍.
Sia has hit a rough patch in her life but she meets Lettie who quickly becomes her best friend. Lettie offers her a place to stay and a job while she is away at college. Sia reluctantly takes the offer because she really doesn't have another option. Let's just say Lettie's dad was only slightly annoyed by this 🤭.
Insert Maxim... Grumpy, tattooed, son of the head of the Chicago chapter of the Russian Mafia, trained to kill, tall, dark, and broody. Maxim wants nothing to do with Sia...at first.
Inevitably attraction wins out. However, this is not a forced proximity love story that is all roses and sunshine. The jaw dropping twist I didn't see coming had me gasping out loud and having to walk away to compose my shock. Sia and Maxim are the definition of a strong power couple. They get their world turned upside down and still come out stronger than ever.
So many secrets come out and it just kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
I'm excited to see what Eden comes up with next for this world. So many possibilities 😍
ARC Review @bookish_by_jess
Sia has hit a rough patch in her life but she meets Lettie who quickly becomes her best friend. Lettie offers her a place to stay and a job while she is away at college. Sia reluctantly takes the offer because she really doesn't have another option. Let's just say Lettie's dad was only slightly annoyed by this 🤭.
Insert Maxim... Grumpy, tattooed, son of the head of the Chicago chapter of the Russian Mafia, trained to kill, tall, dark, and broody. Maxim wants nothing to do with Sia...at first.
Inevitably attraction wins out. However, this is not a forced proximity love story that is all roses and sunshine. The jaw dropping twist I didn't see coming had me gasping out loud and having to walk away to compose my shock. Sia and Maxim are the definition of a strong power couple. They get their world turned upside down and still come out stronger than ever.
So many secrets come out and it just kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
I'm excited to see what Eden comes up with next for this world. So many possibilities 😍
ARC Review @bookish_by_jess
January 31, 2025
MUST READ!!
Eden has always been a one click author for me, and I originally started this book on Kindle Villa and omg I was addicted; this book is so good! If I could give it 10/10 I would!
they are a bit jaded and have trust issues, but they also fight the chemistry/attraction they feel towards each other.
Best Friends Father is a new trope that I fell in love with while reading this book! Maxim really tries to not be attracted to Sia, and he's quite mean at first, but Sia also brings a softer side out in him especially when he realizes she pushes back when it comes to giving him sass!
Both Maxim and Sia have past trauma, but she really brings light to his dark, they are a perfect combination, and this storyline really kept me hooked from the very beginning.
Again, another amazing book by EDEN!
Eden has always been a one click author for me, and I originally started this book on Kindle Villa and omg I was addicted; this book is so good! If I could give it 10/10 I would!
they are a bit jaded and have trust issues, but they also fight the chemistry/attraction they feel towards each other.
Best Friends Father is a new trope that I fell in love with while reading this book! Maxim really tries to not be attracted to Sia, and he's quite mean at first, but Sia also brings a softer side out in him especially when he realizes she pushes back when it comes to giving him sass!
Both Maxim and Sia have past trauma, but she really brings light to his dark, they are a perfect combination, and this storyline really kept me hooked from the very beginning.
Again, another amazing book by EDEN!
February 3, 2025
Maxim "The Executioner" Petrov is the tall, dark and tattooed hitman of the Russian Bratva! Sia Reynolds is his daughter Lettie's friend with a troubled past, who is suddenly living and working in his home! Maxim is 36, deadly, and has an inner darkness in him that he wants to unleash on his newest employee. At 20, Sia is all alone in the world, her traumatic past as lead her down some troubled roads, but with Lettie's friendship and change for a home and job, she's hoping to start anew. Never did Maxim or Lettie think they'd fall for one another or discover the decades old secret that connects them more than they ever imagined.
Sia is a spicy dark, age gap, mafia, bestfriends father retelling of Anastasia. Eden O'Neill does a beautiful job telling this story and getting you hooked into this dangerous world.
Thank you to Eden O'Neill for an ARC of this novel!!!
Sia is a spicy dark, age gap, mafia, bestfriends father retelling of Anastasia. Eden O'Neill does a beautiful job telling this story and getting you hooked into this dangerous world.
Thank you to Eden O'Neill for an ARC of this novel!!!
February 1, 2025
*This is an arc review and may contain spoilers*
I don't often rate books 4 stars, but this one is definitely worth it! I was so excited to be chosen for this arc. Eden has written many amazing books, and this one isn't any different.
Sia is finished with community service and is looking for a job. Her friend offers her one working for her dad. One thing leads to another, and they fall for each other. They make each other better.
This an amazing dark romance inspired by Anastasia. This book kept me guessing and my heart racing all the way to the end.
✨️Age gap
🫶🏻Best friend's father
🌞Grumpy/sunshine
👸🏼Fairytale retelling inspired by Anastasia
🔥Primal hero
I don't often rate books 4 stars, but this one is definitely worth it! I was so excited to be chosen for this arc. Eden has written many amazing books, and this one isn't any different.
Sia is finished with community service and is looking for a job. Her friend offers her one working for her dad. One thing leads to another, and they fall for each other. They make each other better.
This an amazing dark romance inspired by Anastasia. This book kept me guessing and my heart racing all the way to the end.
✨️Age gap
🫶🏻Best friend's father
🌞Grumpy/sunshine
👸🏼Fairytale retelling inspired by Anastasia
🔥Primal hero
January 29, 2025
Eden is a master story teller and you can’t go wrong reading any of her books, especially Sia. She’s one of those authors that I always know I will never be disappointed by her story lines. I’m addicted and Sia just stoked that fire even more.
If you love mafia tropes with a strong alpha protector, this book is for you. Sia is a strong character herself with a tragic past. Maxim is her alpha protector. Their chemistry is hot, hot, hot. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down.
If you love mafia tropes with a strong alpha protector, this book is for you. Sia is a strong character herself with a tragic past. Maxim is her alpha protector. Their chemistry is hot, hot, hot. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down.
January 31, 2025
ARC reader! And, I'm glad I did!!
I REALLY enjoyed this one!! There were some plot twists that definitely did NOT see coming. I can't lie, I love when the MMC and FMC try their hardest NOT to fall, but fall anyway! I'm a suckered for it!!! And, add in the forbidden romance of age gap and best friend's Dad...I'm all over it. Sexy mafia man too...I'm a goner!!! Really enjoyed this one! Can't wait for the next book!!!
I REALLY enjoyed this one!! There were some plot twists that definitely did NOT see coming. I can't lie, I love when the MMC and FMC try their hardest NOT to fall, but fall anyway! I'm a suckered for it!!! And, add in the forbidden romance of age gap and best friend's Dad...I'm all over it. Sexy mafia man too...I'm a goner!!! Really enjoyed this one! Can't wait for the next book!!!
February 1, 2025
Eden O'Neill has done it again and crafted a new series that is sure to hook you; I know it did me.
Sia and Maxim embody the tortured age-gap love story that draws you in, captures your attention and maintains it throughout the storyline. This checked so many of the tropes I gravitate towards: age gap, Alpha male plus mafia coupled with fantastic storytelling. The story takes us on a journey with Sia and Maxim that is fraught with tension and passion with the ultimate payoff of a most satisfying ending.
I am excited at the possibilities this book provides for more related stories in this universe showcasing other characters, i.e Val and Lettie, set in the mafia world.
Highly recommend picking this up as your next read!
Honest review - ARC reader
Sia and Maxim embody the tortured age-gap love story that draws you in, captures your attention and maintains it throughout the storyline. This checked so many of the tropes I gravitate towards: age gap, Alpha male plus mafia coupled with fantastic storytelling. The story takes us on a journey with Sia and Maxim that is fraught with tension and passion with the ultimate payoff of a most satisfying ending.
I am excited at the possibilities this book provides for more related stories in this universe showcasing other characters, i.e Val and Lettie, set in the mafia world.
Highly recommend picking this up as your next read!
Honest review - ARC reader
February 1, 2025
In love! The plot twists that were in this kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and as soon as I started I couldn’t put it down. The Character development was amazing for these characters, especially the dynamic between Sia and Maxim. I love everything about this book and definitely recommend! I had the best time being an ARC Reader for this novel.
February 6, 2025
A good HEA
Book was a good read. Sia and Maxim have a huge age gap and lots of trauma between them, but they click and are willing to fight for each other. The book did not catch me off guard but I do normally love Eden's books. If you love HEA and age gaps then you will love this one!
Book was a good read. Sia and Maxim have a huge age gap and lots of trauma between them, but they click and are willing to fight for each other. The book did not catch me off guard but I do normally love Eden's books. If you love HEA and age gaps then you will love this one!
April 27, 2025
Loved the age gap, I’m not sure how I feel about the FMC being his daughters friends tho. The plot itself was vague at best tho, some parts of it were interesting but nothing had any depth. I didn’t love the mmcs behavior in the beginning, be a man!! The romance itself was okay, they’re cute together. The ending was cute.
2.5/5🌶️
2.5/5🌶️
July 21, 2025
"It appeared Sia Reynolds was worth taking the risk for more"
start was pretty good i enjoyed start of novel literally was so into it i loveed age gap it was perfect. Maxim & Sia were good together they're soulmates, but there were so many loopholes it ruined the plot it's like so many things were happening at once or nothing is happening 😭
start was pretty good i enjoyed start of novel literally was so into it i loveed age gap it was perfect. Maxim & Sia were good together they're soulmates, but there were so many loopholes it ruined the plot it's like so many things were happening at once or nothing is happening 😭
July 17, 2025
Sia has had a rough life and a fresh start is exactly what she needs. Only her fresh start comes with some baggage. The twists and turns that this book has will keep you planted in your seat. Nice amount of spice!
February 20, 2025
Can’t give this book enough stars!!
March 22, 2025
Dark Anastasia retelling, age gap and mafia? say less 🥵
July 19, 2025
*Russian mafia
*friends dad
*found family
*forbidden romance
*past trauma
*friends dad
*found family
*forbidden romance
*past trauma
July 25, 2025
I saw this book on tik tok and decided to get it and omg i devoured it. the spice. the banter. the action. all of it fantastic.
December 20, 2025
Sexy hot dad who swims naked laps in the pool every night? Yes please
February 8, 2025
This was a good read with a good twist. It wasn't just your typical age gap romance or bratvta romance or friend's father romance...there was more to the story which I enjoyed.
Both characters are fun characters to read with deep childhood traumas.
Both characters are fun characters to read with deep childhood traumas.
January 30, 2025
I received the book as an arc review. The review is my honest point of view of the book.
3.5-4 stars ✳️ some spoiler alert.
Eden is one of the many authors I enjoy following. Her works feature main characters who are well-described and developed, and the characters mature throughout the book . I found the book a fast read and finished it in a day. The secondary characters are also noteworthy, with Val being my favorite. Lettie comes across as a naive and free spirit, while Andre is less well-defined; he only appears toward the end of the book.
The story centers around Sia and Maxim. Sia has been in the system since she was a child and has suffered from abuse, resulting in a dark past. Maxim is involved with the Russian mafia, serving as their executioner. He represents darkness and carries many demons, being the adopted son of the Russian leader. For Sia, this is her last chance to maintain a clean and impeccable image; otherwise, she risks ending up in prison. She needs a job and a place to live, which is why she accepts a dog training position offered by Lettie, who is Maxim's daughter.
While the storyline has a dual perspective, it can sometimes get confusing, with a few contradictions in the narrative. The author does a commendable job writing from the viewpoints of both characters. Maxim is presented as an older male, but in some scenes, he behaves like a petulant teenager when trying to make a point. In others, he comes across as a madman, a killer caught in a whirlwind of feelings and emotions, and even a voyeur. At one point, he is conflicted about Sia’s employment, a scene I found unnecessary. As her employer, it seems superfluous for him to bribe her with money to leave her job.
The storyline alternates between memories of childhood trauma and abuse in foster care while also depicting how a child can be manipulated and groomed into becoming a mafia executioner. Unfortunately, I did not feel their pain and vulnerability as a reader. The narrative lacked the emotional depth that should have been present to convey the trauma and vulnerability.
Additionally, I did not sense any chemistry between Maxim and Sia. The plot is straightforward and predictable, particularly when Maxim is assigned a job related to old rivalries.
Sia is the start of a new world for the author, and I believe the series will get better if the author continues. I recommend the reading.
3.5-4 stars ✳️ some spoiler alert.
Eden is one of the many authors I enjoy following. Her works feature main characters who are well-described and developed, and the characters mature throughout the book . I found the book a fast read and finished it in a day. The secondary characters are also noteworthy, with Val being my favorite. Lettie comes across as a naive and free spirit, while Andre is less well-defined; he only appears toward the end of the book.
The story centers around Sia and Maxim. Sia has been in the system since she was a child and has suffered from abuse, resulting in a dark past. Maxim is involved with the Russian mafia, serving as their executioner. He represents darkness and carries many demons, being the adopted son of the Russian leader. For Sia, this is her last chance to maintain a clean and impeccable image; otherwise, she risks ending up in prison. She needs a job and a place to live, which is why she accepts a dog training position offered by Lettie, who is Maxim's daughter.
While the storyline has a dual perspective, it can sometimes get confusing, with a few contradictions in the narrative. The author does a commendable job writing from the viewpoints of both characters. Maxim is presented as an older male, but in some scenes, he behaves like a petulant teenager when trying to make a point. In others, he comes across as a madman, a killer caught in a whirlwind of feelings and emotions, and even a voyeur. At one point, he is conflicted about Sia’s employment, a scene I found unnecessary. As her employer, it seems superfluous for him to bribe her with money to leave her job.
The storyline alternates between memories of childhood trauma and abuse in foster care while also depicting how a child can be manipulated and groomed into becoming a mafia executioner. Unfortunately, I did not feel their pain and vulnerability as a reader. The narrative lacked the emotional depth that should have been present to convey the trauma and vulnerability.
Additionally, I did not sense any chemistry between Maxim and Sia. The plot is straightforward and predictable, particularly when Maxim is assigned a job related to old rivalries.
Sia is the start of a new world for the author, and I believe the series will get better if the author continues. I recommend the reading.
February 2, 2025
Unfortunately, I didn't like it. I understand slow-burn action and all, but in this book, nothing really happens until after 100 pages, and when it does, it's nothing impressive. It feels like a telenovela where you could skip 100 episodes and still pick it up without missing anything important. I ended up skipping to the end just to see how it wraps up. Maybe if it had been 100 pages shorter, it would have been more engaging—I’m not sure. What’s certain is that it just wasn’t for me, and I feel bad about it because I rarely give books a low rating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews