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Monday, June 6, 2022

 

1/5 Stars
BW/WM
Pages: 271

 I'm going to start with the cover. That man! He is handsome and sexy as all get out! Unfortunately, that's the beginning and end of any positive feelings that I have regarding this book.


Since first being introduced to this couple, I've been wondering how the author was going to pull off a romance in this particular story arc. Well, as far as I'm concerned she didn't because abuse isn't sexy or romantic.


It is important to know that you'll need to read the previous Ruthless MC storylines to understand what I'm talking about, particularly Waylon. You'll also need to know that I have to give a few very minor spoilers in this review. The spoilers are primarily for previous books featuring Persy/Stephanie and Hades so if you haven't read them you may or may not want to proceed with this review.


When we're introduced to Persy in Waylon, she comes off as a highly abused woman kept on a very short leash and treated without an ounce of dignity or respect. She's been tattooed as property and not allowed to interact with others who are not trusted by Hades. In Hades, we get the full story and it just raised up so many negative emotions. To me, abuse is not sexy! It is not romantic. And neither is this book.

The author does explain Hades' motivation in treating Stephanie (Persy) the way that he does. And he treats her terribly. While not physically abusive, he is no-holds-barred mentally abusive of this woman. I understand his rage and top that with him being a criminal... well it isn't a stretch that he'd want to exact revenge.

The problem is, there aren't any redeeming moments. There isn't anything that really makes me feel like he's a good man or that he regrets his behavior. Or that his behavior pains him in some way even though he may think it is necessary. What's meant to pass as redeeming moments just feels fake.
By far, a majority of their interactions are negative, degrading, and filled with palatable hate. When Hades does act as if he cares (I'm not going to call it love because it isn't) it comes out of nowhere. Yeah, he wants her sexually, but it's possessive and obsessive. Again, not love. Suddenly we're told there were cozy domestic moments between them over a 3-year time span that we weren't a part of. Cozy domestic moments between a prisoner and her captor. And her feelings for him? Hate, and a heavy dose of Stockholm's Syndrome.
Nah.
No thanks.

The Tess and Benjamin(or was it Brady? I really didn't care) story seemed like filler. That space could have been used to show us how actual love was developing between Persy and Hades.

I give this book a 1 star and can't recommend it. It disgusts me.
Oh, and by the way... This is only the first part. Yes it is in 2 parts.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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