The plot's basically sad kids who totes would have watched Salad Fingers. And they also got bullied at school. Shoulder shrug. Eh. It was fine.
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The plot's basically sad kids who totes would have watched Salad Fingers. And they also got bullied at school. So because they're fringe kids, they made up this imaginary villain that will right all their woes. Then one kid takes it too far and goes all V for Vendetta.
It's just a predictable plot. Hence the shoulder shrug....more
Entertaining? Sure. Predictable? Yep. Fun? Meh. Would make a good wine night/book club pick if your focus is more on the wine and less on the intricacEntertaining? Sure. Predictable? Yep. Fun? Meh. Would make a good wine night/book club pick if your focus is more on the wine and less on the intricacies of being a sleuth....more
Twas okay. There were quite a lot of characters but nothing substantial enough to tell the difference between each of them, so at times, I conflated oTwas okay. There were quite a lot of characters but nothing substantial enough to tell the difference between each of them, so at times, I conflated one for another. Oopsies.
There wasn't enough emotion for me to feel sympathy or empathy for any character. And by the end of the book, I'm not sure I needed to - which is odd considering the subject matter.
This was SOOOOO fun! The two MCs are damaged and mysterious. Their respective ethos is what connects them. Experiencing their partnership b4.5 stars!
This was SOOOOO fun! The two MCs are damaged and mysterious. Their respective ethos is what connects them. Experiencing their partnership but also standoffishness was extremely entertaining!
The case itself is great too! Cold case blended with a modern crime!
I want the next book now… this gives me pseudo non-spicy Butcher and Blackbird vibes! ...more
OOOO - this is my favorite of the Vitale Brothers series (so far)! Yummy yummy.
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Like this is ULTIMATE enemies-to-lovers. And we love when a goOOOO - this is my favorite of the Vitale Brothers series (so far)! Yummy yummy.
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Like this is ULTIMATE enemies-to-lovers. And we love when a good blood bath turns spicyyyyyyyy. This series consistently delivers on the "mafia" angle too - which is a delight!
To watch both Harlow and Benito (especially) let down their guard and heal old wounds was lovely. And the possessiveness in this book was stupidly feral - but you know I ATE it.
You do need to read these books in order - there's way too much backstory needed that builds as the series evolves. I CANNOT WAIT for the next installment!
Okay so... this was chaos, which I guess makes sense because Giancarlo is UTTER CHAOS. But this was almost like reading stream of consciousness at somOkay so... this was chaos, which I guess makes sense because Giancarlo is UTTER CHAOS. But this was almost like reading stream of consciousness at some points.
The plot premise = not my fave, but it is what it is.
Ash carried the book for me. Especially at the end - we love a redemption story! ...more
I adore this series! I adore Ian and Miro! I want to read about them forever and ever! Like no joke, there could be 100 installments in this series anI adore this series! I adore Ian and Miro! I want to read about them forever and ever! Like no joke, there could be 100 installments in this series and they could be in their 80s and I would still be SO stupidly invested! ...more
Folx, there are tons of misspellings and grammatical errors. BUT... outside of that, I DEVOURED THIS!
This was my perfect mafia romance! There was plenFolx, there are tons of misspellings and grammatical errors. BUT... outside of that, I DEVOURED THIS!
This was my perfect mafia romance! There was plenty of suspense. The crime aspect was actually intriguing and thorough and dramatic. And MY GAWD, the tension and possessiveness between Enzo and Tex was DELICIOUS.
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This book was feral. It was fun. And now I want Giancarlo, Benito, and Chelsea to each have their own story.
these two made me feral. to the point, i was scouring the interwebs for any and all fanart. i can't wait to listen to THIS IS MY WHOLE PERSONALITY NOW
these two made me feral. to the point, i was scouring the interwebs for any and all fanart. i can't wait to listen to this one audio and see what that experience is like. i very well might implode.
in all seriousness tho, if you're going into this book, remember that: A. it's new adult - we aren't reading chaucer here, so don't expect that B. the word nefarious is very overused within the first 50 pages (but then you never see it again) C. heed the content warnings should you need to D. this book is dripping in mafia-related tropes - get over it E. real-life stalkers are bad. fictional ones are hot. i don't make the rules.
I truly don’t understand how this has such high ratings. The entire plot is mean girl energy + revenge + incompetency cliches.< Insert eye roll here >
I truly don’t understand how this has such high ratings. The entire plot is mean girl energy + revenge + incompetency cliches. And then random turtle facts.
I fucking loved that he was referred to as the “defendant” throughout the entire book. This deliberate move was so powerful. Because tTHIS THIS THIS!
I fucking loved that he was referred to as the “defendant” throughout the entire book. This deliberate move was so powerful. Because this isn’t his story. It’s theirs.
This book adamantly argues the gross and damning narrative of sensationalizing a serial killer. The cruelty of assigning immediate blame and burden to victims. The lack of expediency in prioritizing the safety of women. The lack of deference in a woman’s truth. The harshness of greed. The backstabbing for fame. But also … The unity in community. The power in being honest. The freedom in paving your own path outside of the delegation of family or fiancé. The purity of the memory of those you loved. And the peace in honoring them through justice, truth, perseverance, and brilliance. ...more
Wellll... this was super thorough and informative.
The downside... this was SUPER THOROUGH and information - to the point of nausea. It wasn't until tWellll... this was super thorough and informative.
The downside... this was SUPER THOROUGH and information - to the point of nausea. It wasn't until the last 10% of the book that you got into the actual prosecution of those involved. And honestly, that felt a lot to be desired.
My suggestion - the documentary on Netflix is better. The title is "Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal"....more