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Deadly Hearts #1
Crush
A mafia queen. Four dangerous men. And deadly players intent on taking her off the board.
After eight years running a criminal organization, I've got my life and business on track. But when I'm embroiled in a bloody battle for my turf, I also find myself at the center of attention for four smoking hot men.
I struggle to get used to them having my back, until I'm crushed under the worst darkness this dangerous world has to offer.
Can their love fuel my strength to save myself?
After eight years running a criminal organization, I've got my life and business on track. But when I'm embroiled in a bloody battle for my turf, I also find myself at the center of attention for four smoking hot men.
I struggle to get used to them having my back, until I'm crushed under the worst darkness this dangerous world has to offer.
Can their love fuel my strength to save myself?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2022
1035 people are currently reading
2369 people want to read
About the author
Eve Newton
231 books823 followersEve is a USA Today Bestselling Author with a specialty for steamy romance with strong female leads.
She lives in the UK, with her husband and five kids, so finding the time to write is short, but definitely sweet. Eve has a number of series, both completed and on the go and hopes to release some new and exciting projects, both paranormal and contemporary in the future, so stay tuned!
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/sinfullyde...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorEve
Eve also writes under the name S.E. Traynor
She lives in the UK, with her husband and five kids, so finding the time to write is short, but definitely sweet. Eve has a number of series, both completed and on the go and hopes to release some new and exciting projects, both paranormal and contemporary in the future, so stay tuned!
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/sinfullyde...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorEve
Eve also writes under the name S.E. Traynor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 2, 2022
This book is kinda odd. I mean, it's about this woman who is 26 and owns illegal casinos as well as other legitimate businesses. Now, how did she get started? Did she have family money? Who knows? It's not mentioned.
She's supposed to be this hardened soul who likes knives and weaponry, but needs to be "punished" by her "Daddy". Okay, I can kinda understand this, because there are powerful, high-flying people who are submissives as they like to have a place where they can safely let go.
But... she also acts impulsively and emotionally when someone she cares about is kidnapped. This doesn't jive with someone who moves in the underworld, runs a protection racket, also moonlights as a loan shark, and is trying to hold on to territory. You have to be cold and calculating for all this to work, and you don't go into a dangerous situation without backup. She was cocky and over-confident. I lost respect for her after that.
And EVERY SINGLE MAN who meets her falls in love with her. There's this hardened assassin who kneels on the ground outside the club to grovel and beg her forgiveness after she discovers one of the secrets in his past and loses it. And his inner monologue is cheesy and is all about how much he loves her, how far gone he is over her, etc., etc. Really! I don't believe even the most smitten man would think this way, much less a usually unemotional assassin!
So Declan, the assassin, was cheesy, David, her assistant, was cheesy, Ramsey, her head of security in her nightclub, was cheesy, and Layton -- Ramsey's friend and her latest hire -- was cheesy. Layton falls in love with her the day he meets her, after a bout of rough sex! Talk about having a magic vagina.
Ehhh... It could have been better. It was comical at times, which is not what I think the author was going for. It ends on a cliffhanger, but I can't bring myself to care enough to want to read the next book.
She's supposed to be this hardened soul who likes knives and weaponry, but needs to be "punished" by her "Daddy". Okay, I can kinda understand this, because there are powerful, high-flying people who are submissives as they like to have a place where they can safely let go.
But... she also acts impulsively and emotionally when someone she cares about is kidnapped. This doesn't jive with someone who moves in the underworld, runs a protection racket, also moonlights as a loan shark, and is trying to hold on to territory. You have to be cold and calculating for all this to work, and you don't go into a dangerous situation without backup. She was cocky and over-confident. I lost respect for her after that.
And EVERY SINGLE MAN who meets her falls in love with her. There's this hardened assassin who kneels on the ground outside the club to grovel and beg her forgiveness after she discovers one of the secrets in his past and loses it. And his inner monologue is cheesy and is all about how much he loves her, how far gone he is over her, etc., etc. Really! I don't believe even the most smitten man would think this way, much less a usually unemotional assassin!
So Declan, the assassin, was cheesy, David, her assistant, was cheesy, Ramsey, her head of security in her nightclub, was cheesy, and Layton -- Ramsey's friend and her latest hire -- was cheesy. Layton falls in love with her the day he meets her, after a bout of rough sex! Talk about having a magic vagina.
Ehhh... It could have been better. It was comical at times, which is not what I think the author was going for. It ends on a cliffhanger, but I can't bring myself to care enough to want to read the next book.
January 10, 2022
Crush is a beautifully intense, dark and delicious story about one woman’s fight to protect own her identity, her business, reputation and those she holds most dear. Proving to anyone that dare cross her path that she is not someone to be messed with, Ruby shows that she is fiercely independent and unrelenting in both her personal and public affairs. Pair this ridiculously fierce woman with an army of men at her helm, who are ready to satisfy her every dark desire, and you have the most tantalising and addictive plot line that I ever did read.
Eve has absolutely crushed it, yet again. The journey once more into contemporary writing has proved that there are no bounds to what she is able to create. This book was pacy, powerful and packed punch after punch. It kept me on my toes for the entirety of the read, delivering so many surprises and shocks that I could not put it down. It’s a credit to Eve that I was completely absorbed in this story and desperate to know more. These powerful plot lines were then weaved with the most deliciously dark, sensual and exhilarating scenes that played on every dark desire that a person can have. Eve dived into spaces beyond comprehension and absolutely nailed the delivery. Yet, managed to do so with poise, dignity and complete clarity to her readers. Eve managed to stress the importance of consent, aftercare and comfort whilst still being mindful that the scenes were darker, delicious and sensual which I feel is something so incredibly important in the society we know today. This book truly was the most epic journey and I grieved when it was over, finding myself in a book slump and missing the characters, they’re successes, their losses and the absolutely spine-tingling dynamics shared by the each person present.
Once again, Eve managed not only to create the most badass female main character but also gave us a glimpse into her worst moments and the best, providing us with a sense of realness and vulnerability, she really opened our hearts for the character and you feel to empathise and care about her story. I also adore that Eve writes such wonderfully delicious men that are powerful, strong, brooding and intimidating but also vulnerable and filled with worries and doubts. They are real men, they own who they are and it was lovely to see the openness with the men’s thoughts and feelings, their stresses and woes, to allow us to emphasise and not simple idolise. This is the beauty of the multi POV, we were able to get insight into every character, which fit so well into the plot to really build and play with the tension and suspense throughout.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next one. I’m on edge until then. Thank you for providing such an epic, beautiful journey.
Eve has absolutely crushed it, yet again. The journey once more into contemporary writing has proved that there are no bounds to what she is able to create. This book was pacy, powerful and packed punch after punch. It kept me on my toes for the entirety of the read, delivering so many surprises and shocks that I could not put it down. It’s a credit to Eve that I was completely absorbed in this story and desperate to know more. These powerful plot lines were then weaved with the most deliciously dark, sensual and exhilarating scenes that played on every dark desire that a person can have. Eve dived into spaces beyond comprehension and absolutely nailed the delivery. Yet, managed to do so with poise, dignity and complete clarity to her readers. Eve managed to stress the importance of consent, aftercare and comfort whilst still being mindful that the scenes were darker, delicious and sensual which I feel is something so incredibly important in the society we know today. This book truly was the most epic journey and I grieved when it was over, finding myself in a book slump and missing the characters, they’re successes, their losses and the absolutely spine-tingling dynamics shared by the each person present.
Once again, Eve managed not only to create the most badass female main character but also gave us a glimpse into her worst moments and the best, providing us with a sense of realness and vulnerability, she really opened our hearts for the character and you feel to empathise and care about her story. I also adore that Eve writes such wonderfully delicious men that are powerful, strong, brooding and intimidating but also vulnerable and filled with worries and doubts. They are real men, they own who they are and it was lovely to see the openness with the men’s thoughts and feelings, their stresses and woes, to allow us to emphasise and not simple idolise. This is the beauty of the multi POV, we were able to get insight into every character, which fit so well into the plot to really build and play with the tension and suspense throughout.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next one. I’m on edge until then. Thank you for providing such an epic, beautiful journey.
January 6, 2022
Crush
Oh my word! This book was absolutely amazing. Beautifully written, a strong FMC who has had to fight for her place in her world, and she comes out swinging. Not with a baseball bat….but knives, guns, grenades…lol, nothing is off the table.
But as all strong and stressed out women have learned, for all the strength they need to wield on a daily basis, there needs to be a time when she can let all that stress go, and let someone else take care of her, help her re-build her walls that allow her to become the woman that her business dictates she needs to be. Up to this point, Ruby never was able to find that…or should I say…let herself be open to the men around her to become that safe space for herself. But times they are a changing.🤣
What I love about this story line is that it has BDSM in it but that isn’t the whole story line, it is a way that our FMC learns to heal. There are moments in this book that I was actually sobbing, the pain was so very real and all the emotions behind Ruby’s pain was so very real to me. But there were also moments where I was laughing out loud and my husband would glance at me like I was a loon. Moments that I desperately needed to rebalance the scales in my mind.
If you enjoy hot smoking times, then yes this book definitely has it…but if you are looking for a book that pushes you to the edge, drops you off the side of the mountain and opens up your senses to a bigger adventure…then this is the book for you!!!!
🏃♀️ run and download this addictive and page turning new series and be prepared to be swept away from the ordinary into the extraordinary adventures of the Black Widow!!!
Oh my word! This book was absolutely amazing. Beautifully written, a strong FMC who has had to fight for her place in her world, and she comes out swinging. Not with a baseball bat….but knives, guns, grenades…lol, nothing is off the table.
But as all strong and stressed out women have learned, for all the strength they need to wield on a daily basis, there needs to be a time when she can let all that stress go, and let someone else take care of her, help her re-build her walls that allow her to become the woman that her business dictates she needs to be. Up to this point, Ruby never was able to find that…or should I say…let herself be open to the men around her to become that safe space for herself. But times they are a changing.🤣
What I love about this story line is that it has BDSM in it but that isn’t the whole story line, it is a way that our FMC learns to heal. There are moments in this book that I was actually sobbing, the pain was so very real and all the emotions behind Ruby’s pain was so very real to me. But there were also moments where I was laughing out loud and my husband would glance at me like I was a loon. Moments that I desperately needed to rebalance the scales in my mind.
If you enjoy hot smoking times, then yes this book definitely has it…but if you are looking for a book that pushes you to the edge, drops you off the side of the mountain and opens up your senses to a bigger adventure…then this is the book for you!!!!
🏃♀️ run and download this addictive and page turning new series and be prepared to be swept away from the ordinary into the extraordinary adventures of the Black Widow!!!
February 25, 2022
I saw this on tiktok and checked all the 5 star reviews on here so thought I'd give it a read.
The writing is so so bad. I couldn't even finish it. The characters have no chemistry, the first spice scene just made me cringe it was written so badly, I was hoping for so much more! I'm a big fan of reverse harems, love den of vipers and Lords of pain... So I'm not a prude. But yeah, was written so bad I just couldn't finish it!
The writing is so so bad. I couldn't even finish it. The characters have no chemistry, the first spice scene just made me cringe it was written so badly, I was hoping for so much more! I'm a big fan of reverse harems, love den of vipers and Lords of pain... So I'm not a prude. But yeah, was written so bad I just couldn't finish it!
April 14, 2022
I dont want to knock the writer however I honestly couldn't even get through the book. It just wasn't for me. I wish it was better for me because all the reviews say it is great, however I am just not a fan.
January 8, 2022
This book is such a killer! Ruby is such a bada$$ and can definitely take care of herself. Then add in her men and gosh all of them just fill her needs and take care of her. I could not put this book down. There is suspense, intrigue, olenty of sexy yummyness as well as some dark moments. Eve really made a knock out with this book and I especially loved some cameos from characters in a previous series. There are plenty of moments that Ruby and the men are thrown in that will have your jaw dropping but also seeing how strong each of them are individually. One man in particular had me laughing at how he finally got Ruby!
Be prepared for an eneding that will make you want to throw the book, pick it back up and yell at it but it is so worth the read and you won't want to miss this!
Be prepared for an eneding that will make you want to throw the book, pick it back up and yell at it but it is so worth the read and you won't want to miss this!
July 14, 2022
The Story is there... the character development not so much.
I really hate leaving reviews like this. I love the premise of this story. I just feel like there was no character development. I don't feel like I know Ruby or any of the guys in any meaningful way. I feel like they're interested in each other was very rushed. I don't feel like I got to know the back stories of anyone. It made it hard to connect with Ruby or the guys. I think Eve Newton has a great imagination and I would gladly read her works again and give her a chance to grow as a writer.
I really hate leaving reviews like this. I love the premise of this story. I just feel like there was no character development. I don't feel like I know Ruby or any of the guys in any meaningful way. I feel like they're interested in each other was very rushed. I don't feel like I got to know the back stories of anyone. It made it hard to connect with Ruby or the guys. I think Eve Newton has a great imagination and I would gladly read her works again and give her a chance to grow as a writer.
July 2, 2023
A Fiery Blend of Romance and Danger - "Crush" by Eve Newton
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Mafia romance, Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Bad Ass FMC, Revenge, bodyguard, boss employee
In "Crush," the first installment of the Deadly Hearts series by Eve Newton, readers are plunged into a dark and thrilling world of Mafia romance. The story revolves around Ruby, a powerful Mafia queen who finds herself caught in a violent struggle for control of her turf. Amidst the chaos, she becomes the center of attention for four alluring and dangerous men who are ready to protect and fight for her.
One of the refreshing aspects of this book is the reversal of traditional roles, with Ruby taking on the role of the badass Mafia boss. This dynamic adds an exciting twist to the story, and the intense obsession the four male characters have for her creates a captivating and entertaining narrative.
The book successfully combines spicy romance with elements of crime and Mafia drama, striking a compelling balance between steamy encounters and the dangerous underworld in which Ruby operates. The author skillfully blends the intimate connections between Ruby and each of the four love interests, showcasing the unique dynamics and different aspects of the relationships.
The use of multiple points of view, including the perspectives of Ruby and the four male characters, provides readers with a deeper understanding of their individual motivations and feelings. It adds layers of complexity to the story and allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the relationships.
"Crush" delivers plenty of action and suspense, particularly towards the end, which leaves readers on the edge of their seats. The book concludes with a gripping cliffhanger that intensifies the anticipation for the next installment, leaving readers eager to continue the journey.
However, it's worth noting that the story begins at a point where the men are already in love with Ruby, so we don't witness the development of their relationships from the start. While the immediate connection adds to the intensity, some readers may have preferred to see the gradual progression of affection.
In terms of trigger warnings, "Crush" contains scenes involving blood/knife play, BDSM, self-harm, rape, and elements of DD/LG. Readers should approach these aspects with caution and be aware of their comfort levels.
Overall, "Crush" delivers a fiery blend of romance and danger, set against the backdrop of a thrilling Mafia world. Eve Newton's debut in the Deadly Hearts series sets the stage for an exciting journey, and readers will be eager to dive into the next book to see where the story takes Ruby and her compelling array of love interests.
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Mafia romance, Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Bad Ass FMC, Revenge, bodyguard, boss employee
In "Crush," the first installment of the Deadly Hearts series by Eve Newton, readers are plunged into a dark and thrilling world of Mafia romance. The story revolves around Ruby, a powerful Mafia queen who finds herself caught in a violent struggle for control of her turf. Amidst the chaos, she becomes the center of attention for four alluring and dangerous men who are ready to protect and fight for her.
One of the refreshing aspects of this book is the reversal of traditional roles, with Ruby taking on the role of the badass Mafia boss. This dynamic adds an exciting twist to the story, and the intense obsession the four male characters have for her creates a captivating and entertaining narrative.
The book successfully combines spicy romance with elements of crime and Mafia drama, striking a compelling balance between steamy encounters and the dangerous underworld in which Ruby operates. The author skillfully blends the intimate connections between Ruby and each of the four love interests, showcasing the unique dynamics and different aspects of the relationships.
The use of multiple points of view, including the perspectives of Ruby and the four male characters, provides readers with a deeper understanding of their individual motivations and feelings. It adds layers of complexity to the story and allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the relationships.
"Crush" delivers plenty of action and suspense, particularly towards the end, which leaves readers on the edge of their seats. The book concludes with a gripping cliffhanger that intensifies the anticipation for the next installment, leaving readers eager to continue the journey.
However, it's worth noting that the story begins at a point where the men are already in love with Ruby, so we don't witness the development of their relationships from the start. While the immediate connection adds to the intensity, some readers may have preferred to see the gradual progression of affection.
In terms of trigger warnings, "Crush" contains scenes involving blood/knife play, BDSM, self-harm, rape, and elements of DD/LG. Readers should approach these aspects with caution and be aware of their comfort levels.
Overall, "Crush" delivers a fiery blend of romance and danger, set against the backdrop of a thrilling Mafia world. Eve Newton's debut in the Deadly Hearts series sets the stage for an exciting journey, and readers will be eager to dive into the next book to see where the story takes Ruby and her compelling array of love interests.
September 15, 2023
Book: Crush
Read By: Ebook
Author: Eva Newton
Genre: Reverse Harem, Dark Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I really wanted to like this….
But I just didnt.
I love anything Reverse harem and Dark Romance but for me this was just a bit weird.
No wonder there is no light in his deep blue eyes. He lives in the darkness, a ghost.
The main Mc I meant to be tough… But has all these emotional outbursts and acts impulsively, but I meant o to be able to run this empire she created and be cold etc…. Just didnt do it for me.
“Don’t you miss flip phones,” I say with a dramatic sigh. “Nothing like a fierce snap to appease the phone rage.”
Spice was nice.
Read By: Ebook
Author: Eva Newton
Genre: Reverse Harem, Dark Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I really wanted to like this….
But I just didnt.
I love anything Reverse harem and Dark Romance but for me this was just a bit weird.
No wonder there is no light in his deep blue eyes. He lives in the darkness, a ghost.
The main Mc I meant to be tough… But has all these emotional outbursts and acts impulsively, but I meant o to be able to run this empire she created and be cold etc…. Just didnt do it for me.
“Don’t you miss flip phones,” I say with a dramatic sigh. “Nothing like a fierce snap to appease the phone rage.”
Spice was nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
Blimey this book was so bloody brilliant!! I couldn't put it down from start to finish. I just can't praise ot up enough. Sassy tough as nail club owner -Ruby has her work cut out for her in this book but she's strong and lethal enough to handle it herself. Only her single mindedness gets shaken up with 4 smoking hot men - her assistant David, her security guards -Ramsey and Layton and Daddy Dom - Declan. Who all bring on the kinky steadiness. So hot! Dark in places but a knockout read with great characters. With that cliffhanger ending I'm dying for the next book now
January 8, 2022
Now this was a story!!! Seriously Eve Newton you killed it. Love the characters. Especially Ruby. She is such a freaking fantastic main character. I can’t pick my favorite guy. Since they all sound AMAZING. So I’ll just say all of them. This is one of the first dark mafia stories that got me hooked in the beginning. I’m not usually a big mafia romance person. Yeah I just changed my tune. Story has action and the steam is off the charts. But that ending…. Can I have the next one please ?!?!
Definitely a must read story. My mind is still blown. Just so so good!!!
Definitely a must read story. My mind is still blown. Just so so good!!!
January 8, 2022
This is a deliciously dark and addicting read. I was hooked by the first page, and as I went on I was only more captivated. Ruby, black widow, is strong and takes no prisoners. I also love her men, and their strong personalities and how they take care of Ruby. This is wonderfully written with so much intrigue, suspense, tension and a few dark moments. I love the strong emotions and BDSM elements. The ending left me hanging and I am excited to read what is next for Ruby.
January 9, 2022
Fantastic!!
Wow. Just wow. This book is absolutely fantastic. It hits all the right spots. The characters are well written, and the story is engaging. The spice level of this book is on FIRE, and you might just need a cold shower after you read a chapter or two! I can not wait for the next book!
Wow. Just wow. This book is absolutely fantastic. It hits all the right spots. The characters are well written, and the story is engaging. The spice level of this book is on FIRE, and you might just need a cold shower after you read a chapter or two! I can not wait for the next book!
November 26, 2022
very addicting
I definitely need more of this right away. I read an omegaverse book by Eve Newton but this is the first from this universe. Ruby is my favorite type of strong character who has a vulnerability but also stays tough. Her guys are wonderful and crazy dedicated to her. Cliffhangers don’t bother me much and I will download the next book right away!
I definitely need more of this right away. I read an omegaverse book by Eve Newton but this is the first from this universe. Ruby is my favorite type of strong character who has a vulnerability but also stays tough. Her guys are wonderful and crazy dedicated to her. Cliffhangers don’t bother me much and I will download the next book right away!
January 9, 2022
This is such a well thought out and written story the characters are well written with amazing chemistry! Please DO read the warning this is on the darker side and isn't everyone's cuppa tea but I loved it amazing job
January 9, 2022
Eve Newton gives us a stunning beginning of a new series! The story of Ruby and her men is beautifully written with complex characters and plot twists and will keep you turning pages throughout. Don't miss out on this book!!
January 9, 2022
Such a great start to a series ! Eve Newton never disappoints. I love the character development and the HEAT in this book is off the charts. I love how strong she is and takes no $h!t. I’m excited for book2!
November 8, 2022
3.5⭐️’s rounded up - the audible narrator is sub par to put it nicely. Can’t hold an accent for more than half a sentence and the voice variation between male characters is non-existent. The plot is good, in my opinion, but leaves a bit to be desired before the cliffhanger.
June 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this book soo much!!
Highly recommended!!
Highly recommended!!
July 9, 2023
I don’t even know where to start.
Firstly, there was FAR too much happening in this short of a book.
There was no true plot, even. Just a bunch of “major” conflicts thrown together and not tied together by anything, really. It felt like most were included just to check the box of “Yep! Included ______ trope! Next.”
Things were so rushed, I had to go back and read things just to try and figure out how we had gotten to that point.
There was no build up to a legitimate climax of the story, just tiny conflicts that were blown way out of proportion for the sake of dramatics.
I’m all for different POVs in a book. Five? Five is too many. It’s confusing, and the POV switch does nothing to further the nonexistent plot, but rather to let the men explain how in love with her they are.
Secondly, the main female, Ruby, is a Mary Sue of I’ve ever seen one.
She’s perfect, but has a “dark and twisty” past just for the sake of having one. She’s called the Black Widow because she killed one (1) man, and her sister said “You’re strong, like a black widow. You’ll get through this.”
The story takes place in Manchester, UK, but the FMC is from America. For no reason other than to have the varying accents of the hot men around her.
The author tried far too hard to make her seem dangerous and formidable, but just ended up making her annoying. She claims to “run the city” but she’s only been around for five years. Plus, she’s a Mafia Queen at 26. A mafia queen with no real “crew” isn’t very powerful or mafia-esque. Also, she got to this much power without having killed a single person (outside the one that made her the “black widow”). That’s… hard to believe, even in fiction.
She has “heightened security” to hide her things. Like a vault that has all her laundered cash and weapons stash that requires a palm scan, two (2) retina scans (because you have to blink between them to make sure it’s a live eye?).
Every single person she meets falls in love with her. The deadly assassin who’s been “protecting” her for nearly eight years at the request of her father. Her assistant, who we were led to believe was gay until he admits that he thought he was until he met her and decided he was pansexual. Her bouncer at the club who has somehow known about her underground business for years without her knowing. Her bouncer’s best friend who she just hired to be the bouncer of her underground casino.
She claims to not get involved with her employees, but throws that out the window right away. She “fires” the guys several times to justify her attraction to them. They all straight up refuse to obey her, and she’s totally fine with that.
Lastly, I have read many a book in my lifetime, but I have never ever seen an author use the word “humongous” as an adjective. Especially in an adult-oriented novel written by an adult. Just another example of how they tried too hard to make the FMC quirky but dangerous.
Overall, this was just far too much crammed into a book that wasn’t big enough to hold it all. But, it was such a hot mess train wreck that I just couldn’t stop looking at.
Firstly, there was FAR too much happening in this short of a book.
There was no true plot, even. Just a bunch of “major” conflicts thrown together and not tied together by anything, really. It felt like most were included just to check the box of “Yep! Included ______ trope! Next.”
Things were so rushed, I had to go back and read things just to try and figure out how we had gotten to that point.
There was no build up to a legitimate climax of the story, just tiny conflicts that were blown way out of proportion for the sake of dramatics.
I’m all for different POVs in a book. Five? Five is too many. It’s confusing, and the POV switch does nothing to further the nonexistent plot, but rather to let the men explain how in love with her they are.
Secondly, the main female, Ruby, is a Mary Sue of I’ve ever seen one.
She’s perfect, but has a “dark and twisty” past just for the sake of having one. She’s called the Black Widow because she killed one (1) man, and her sister said “You’re strong, like a black widow. You’ll get through this.”
The story takes place in Manchester, UK, but the FMC is from America. For no reason other than to have the varying accents of the hot men around her.
The author tried far too hard to make her seem dangerous and formidable, but just ended up making her annoying. She claims to “run the city” but she’s only been around for five years. Plus, she’s a Mafia Queen at 26. A mafia queen with no real “crew” isn’t very powerful or mafia-esque. Also, she got to this much power without having killed a single person (outside the one that made her the “black widow”). That’s… hard to believe, even in fiction.
She has “heightened security” to hide her things. Like a vault that has all her laundered cash and weapons stash that requires a palm scan, two (2) retina scans (because you have to blink between them to make sure it’s a live eye?).
Every single person she meets falls in love with her. The deadly assassin who’s been “protecting” her for nearly eight years at the request of her father. Her assistant, who we were led to believe was gay until he admits that he thought he was until he met her and decided he was pansexual. Her bouncer at the club who has somehow known about her underground business for years without her knowing. Her bouncer’s best friend who she just hired to be the bouncer of her underground casino.
She claims to not get involved with her employees, but throws that out the window right away. She “fires” the guys several times to justify her attraction to them. They all straight up refuse to obey her, and she’s totally fine with that.
Lastly, I have read many a book in my lifetime, but I have never ever seen an author use the word “humongous” as an adjective. Especially in an adult-oriented novel written by an adult. Just another example of how they tried too hard to make the FMC quirky but dangerous.
Overall, this was just far too much crammed into a book that wasn’t big enough to hold it all. But, it was such a hot mess train wreck that I just couldn’t stop looking at.
June 23, 2022
I wanted to really love this book.. a badass Ruby who does what she wants && gives no f*cks? Plus her Harem of badass sexy men that consists of an assassin? I'm all here for it.. but instead the men were really p*ssy whipped. Ruby thought one of the men David was gay for the longest time && after knowing that was false, she instantly falls in love with him. Layton sounds like this amazing guy who could rival Ruby's badass personality.. but the 1st time they meet, they 🍆👌 && then the minute he's finished he claims he is in love with her. Betraying his friends trust in the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 14, 2024I got this book for free on stuff your kindle day and the premise sounded good. I couldn’t make it to the end and DNF at 35%.
I just couldn’t get past the cringe writing and how each of the characters POV we just cheesy and not the good kind. There was so much going on and it felt like there was no set plot. The writing felt like early wattpad years and not a book that came out in 2022.
The FMC felt all over the place. One minute she is supposed to be this badass woman who takes no shit and the next she has no clue what she is doing. Always saying one thing and the next is doing something completely different. It felt like she had no power and she’s supposed to be the big boss. She was whiny, annoying, and not all that likable. Everyone that meets her is apparently in love with her and she has “rules” and never follows them. Tries to fire the guys multiple times to justify her actions for “not getting involved with her employees”. They also refuse to listen to her and she just lets them, like what kind of supposedly powerful mafia boss would allow these men to walk all over her.
The MMCs were a whole other story. Some were in love with her for years of working for her, while the others fell in love with her the day they met. They felt bland and had no personality other than being in love with her. There was also DD/lg representation and it wasn’t portrayed all that well. I get like everyone’s experience can be different, but I felt the research was not done whatsoever for this specific topic.
I just couldn’t get past the cringe writing and how each of the characters POV we just cheesy and not the good kind. There was so much going on and it felt like there was no set plot. The writing felt like early wattpad years and not a book that came out in 2022.
The FMC felt all over the place. One minute she is supposed to be this badass woman who takes no shit and the next she has no clue what she is doing. Always saying one thing and the next is doing something completely different. It felt like she had no power and she’s supposed to be the big boss. She was whiny, annoying, and not all that likable. Everyone that meets her is apparently in love with her and she has “rules” and never follows them. Tries to fire the guys multiple times to justify her actions for “not getting involved with her employees”. They also refuse to listen to her and she just lets them, like what kind of supposedly powerful mafia boss would allow these men to walk all over her.
The MMCs were a whole other story. Some were in love with her for years of working for her, while the others fell in love with her the day they met. They felt bland and had no personality other than being in love with her. There was also DD/lg representation and it wasn’t portrayed all that well. I get like everyone’s experience can be different, but I felt the research was not done whatsoever for this specific topic.
August 6, 2024
DN_GENOCIDE_F
I never DNF a book and want to burn it at the same time so fast before this trash.
For one reason only.
How proud the author wrote, “Black belt in three different martial arts and taught Krav Maga by the head of Israeli Special Forces.”
GENOXIDAL ZARENS HAVE NO RIGHTS TO EXIST, LET ALONE HAVE A FREE LIFE!
I never DNF a book and want to burn it at the same time so fast before this trash.
For one reason only.
How proud the author wrote, “Black belt in three different martial arts and taught Krav Maga by the head of Israeli Special Forces.”
GENOXIDAL ZARENS HAVE NO RIGHTS TO EXIST, LET ALONE HAVE A FREE LIFE!
July 7, 2023
So I have never left a book review. Always rant in my head after I have read a book so here it goes…
This book started so good I was actually hooked. The MFC was interesting and there was spice expected. My expectations were too high because about 15% into this book and things went left!!! The writing began to feel rushed. The MC’s began to sound and feel fake and the FMC went from an intelligent, strong figure to a short tempered, emotional wreck. The character development was just non existent. Spice scenes were ok but it was hard to really get into when the characters sucked they just all fell in love within a day. No one knew the other person. It was just weird!!
I never DNF books I actually torture myself through them all because I always have hope that something might change. Well it got worse and is ok I just know I did not enjoy this read!!!
This book started so good I was actually hooked. The MFC was interesting and there was spice expected. My expectations were too high because about 15% into this book and things went left!!! The writing began to feel rushed. The MC’s began to sound and feel fake and the FMC went from an intelligent, strong figure to a short tempered, emotional wreck. The character development was just non existent. Spice scenes were ok but it was hard to really get into when the characters sucked they just all fell in love within a day. No one knew the other person. It was just weird!!
I never DNF books I actually torture myself through them all because I always have hope that something might change. Well it got worse and is ok I just know I did not enjoy this read!!!
January 25, 2024
So bad. So, so, soooo bad!
The writing is awful, the dialogues are cringy AF and nothing makes sense. FMC says something and then does the other 3 pages later and doesn't even explain it. The characters' personality is incoherent and sometimes ridiculous.
Also, why is she so young yet so powerful? Where is it explained?
This was plain awful, I hated the hours I wasted reading it.
The writing is awful, the dialogues are cringy AF and nothing makes sense. FMC says something and then does the other 3 pages later and doesn't even explain it. The characters' personality is incoherent and sometimes ridiculous.
Also, why is she so young yet so powerful? Where is it explained?
This was plain awful, I hated the hours I wasted reading it.
August 5, 2023
This book moved really quickly, and usually that would be a good thing. I just felt like the FMC acquired her MMC's too quickly and it hindered the development of the story (i can't believe I have this complaint). The story felt rushed and the "found family" aspect was too quick.
May 11, 2023
I didn’t really like the characters, the female lead was just annoying and the guys all simped for her, just wasn’t my cup of tea
October 5, 2023
DNF - 56%
I hate leaving harsh reviews... I really do. But this was really bad...
The main character has like multiple personalities.
I find the way the DD/lg community was portrayed was disrespectful, it's true it's different for everyone but this is so far off the mark.
One second the FMC is going guns blazing, with no one to help her because she is a "badass", the next she is saying "I know when to ask for help." Yet she is pissed one of the guys stole her kill? The character development is just soooo bad. I think this is the worst main character I have ever read about.
Supposedly Ruby "runs the city" but she is just a whiny brat that can't do anything herself? Like it's just so freaking forced...
I get that it's a book so it's not real, but there needs to be some realism to make it enjoyable. The way her relationships happened had absolutely no flow. She thought one of the guys was gay and he literally prances another woman in front of her instead of just telling her how he feels. Another guy she literally just met once and after failed aftercare from ANOTHER MAN and then getting attacked by an enemy she has sex with him? The guy that failed at aftercare should have known better and her reaction to it all was just so inaccurate. Literally an hour after agreeing to date the other guy but telling him he is essentially not allowed to worry about her (or even ask how she is doing?) he is taken and tortured? When they save him she goes straight to the shower and he's just sitting in her living room fine?
I'm sorry but there is just absolutely NO FLOW to this book. I kept going because I was interested in reading a different type of DD/lg book but this was sooo bad.
I hate leaving harsh reviews... I really do. But this was really bad...
The main character has like multiple personalities.
I find the way the DD/lg community was portrayed was disrespectful, it's true it's different for everyone but this is so far off the mark.
One second the FMC is going guns blazing, with no one to help her because she is a "badass", the next she is saying "I know when to ask for help." Yet she is pissed one of the guys stole her kill? The character development is just soooo bad. I think this is the worst main character I have ever read about.
Supposedly Ruby "runs the city" but she is just a whiny brat that can't do anything herself? Like it's just so freaking forced...
I get that it's a book so it's not real, but there needs to be some realism to make it enjoyable. The way her relationships happened had absolutely no flow. She thought one of the guys was gay and he literally prances another woman in front of her instead of just telling her how he feels. Another guy she literally just met once and after failed aftercare from ANOTHER MAN and then getting attacked by an enemy she has sex with him? The guy that failed at aftercare should have known better and her reaction to it all was just so inaccurate. Literally an hour after agreeing to date the other guy but telling him he is essentially not allowed to worry about her (or even ask how she is doing?) he is taken and tortured? When they save him she goes straight to the shower and he's just sitting in her living room fine?
I'm sorry but there is just absolutely NO FLOW to this book. I kept going because I was interested in reading a different type of DD/lg book but this was sooo bad.
January 8, 2022
Eve has created a new, dark and exciting world which will grab your attention and pull you in. The plot is engaging and full of twists and the characters are complex and delicious.
Ruby aka the Black Widow is a powerhouse of strength with a dark reputation but on the inside she is broken by a traumatic experience which led her to fight to never be that weak again. She is head strong with a strength of will to never back down or be intimidated by the men who think they rule the underground.
David is her sassy all loving assistant who has loved her for years, who brings joy to everyone and fights hard to be noticed by Ruby for everything he can offer. Ramsey is the sweet, gentle guy who loved Ruby no matter what she does and is willing to offer her the world. Leyton is a powerhouse who doesn't get intimidated by anyone who knows his strength and lives for the darker passions in life. Declan is the silent assassin from the shadows who is nothing more then a ghost but has managed to immerse himself in Ruby's world as the Daddy Dom she desperately needed but gave her his heart before she even knew he was there.
This series is exciting, gripping full of passion and possibilities within the dark world of Manchesters underground. You will fall in love with each character and be left on tender hooks by the cliff hanger when you see how deep deception really runs.
Ruby aka the Black Widow is a powerhouse of strength with a dark reputation but on the inside she is broken by a traumatic experience which led her to fight to never be that weak again. She is head strong with a strength of will to never back down or be intimidated by the men who think they rule the underground.
David is her sassy all loving assistant who has loved her for years, who brings joy to everyone and fights hard to be noticed by Ruby for everything he can offer. Ramsey is the sweet, gentle guy who loved Ruby no matter what she does and is willing to offer her the world. Leyton is a powerhouse who doesn't get intimidated by anyone who knows his strength and lives for the darker passions in life. Declan is the silent assassin from the shadows who is nothing more then a ghost but has managed to immerse himself in Ruby's world as the Daddy Dom she desperately needed but gave her his heart before she even knew he was there.
This series is exciting, gripping full of passion and possibilities within the dark world of Manchesters underground. You will fall in love with each character and be left on tender hooks by the cliff hanger when you see how deep deception really runs.
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