The Reaper

Holy shit. I am shook.

Like what the actual fuck RuNyx? This was amazing and near damn impossible to put down. I'm out of my mind still trying to process everything that has happened with Tristan and Morana, and their journey together.

This has become one of my favorable follow-up installments in a series that I have read in a very long time. “The Reaper” was well written, engaging, and the author’s writing style remained consistent all throughout which allowed each scene to flow smoothly from one to the next. The character development was right up my alley and it was great to see how Morana was able to influence and help Tristan transition away from being the cold hearted emotionless man who had nothing meaningful to live for he show more once was. And of course, the dynamic between Morana and Tristan… woo wee! Sizzling hot!

Obviously where there's good, there's bad. With this sequel upon us I was really hoping to see some character growth with Morana. More often than not, her immaturity nearly got in the way of her relationship with Tristan and she was quick to run off all pissy whenever another woman showed any interest which practically happened in every other chapter. It got a bit annoying after a while but as much as I hate to say it, I would consider it somewhat justifiable due to how fresh and new everything was to them. It still irked me though.

On top of that, the build-up leading to the conclusion of the story of who the reaper was, missing/stolen codes and whereabouts of the missing girls that includes Tristan sister Luna sorta kinda fell flat and left me feeling unsatisfied. The plot stirred off track barely halfway through to focus on the romance portion before making a brief appearance towards the end. In spite of my love for the romance aspect of this novel, I wished the plot became a more prominent factor in this story.

And finally, is it wrong I wanted Tristan to remain the brooding hero till the very end? Sure I liked the vulnerable side of him he was able to show after Morana broke down his walls and the openness of expressing his affection that was borderline mushy yet I fucking loved his silent ways of showing his want for her. It's just a personal preference but still. It was the primary reason why I was so drawn to him. Nevertheless Tristan and Morana kept me engaged, I enjoyed the read minus those small tidbits and the conclusion to their story was well received.

Now I'll just have to suffer and wait for a few more months to get my grubby hands on the next installment of The Dark Verse series featuring Dante and Amara story next.

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This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨

First Impressions
The Reaper is the show more second book in the series but is also the conclusion to the story involving Tristan and Morano while also leaving breadcrumbs of serial plot to guide you into what will be happening with book three. The Reaper literally starts off where "Predator" leaves off. The Reaper is less inner relationship angst which I really appreciated and more focused on our couple learning each other. This is where our couple really have more intention when it comes to their relationship. I really appreciate that. I never know what authors will do when it comes to focusing on one couple in more than one book but this author really focused on it correctly.

What I Loved
I am keeping this review a bit shorter so that I don't spoil too much of the plot. So I just want to focus on what I truly enjoyed about this book. I really enjoyed this couple's dynamic. I love how edgy it feels but you also know how full in they both are into the relationship despite that secrets and reveals that crop up between the story. Each of them have demons that they need to fight, but they are so sturdy together as a couple. We get some fun side character that really shines a beautiful life on this story. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. The third act is packed with mystery and intensity and some crazy drama but its the type of setup that you can easily get behind and become so consumed by.

What I Struggled With
Nothing really. It wasn't quite as consuming as the first book so it didn't quite make it to 6 star rating, but I absolutely loved this one.

Narration
This had the same narration team as the first book and it was superb in every way. Really brought out the right vibes in the right places that fit just right.

Overall View
The Reaper is a stunning installment that brings in a great conclusion but also leads into what is next for the series. Its packed with thrills and mysteries, secrets and reveals, and a passionate love affair with just the right amount of edge to satisfy!

Favorite Quote(s)
“You might have been born with another name but you are Morana. My Morana. You’re the girl I killed for and you’re the woman I’d die for. You are mine and you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Don’t ever question that again, do you understand?”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Abused, Alpha Male, Assassin, Mafia
Themes: Power Couple, Couple Against the World, Touch Her and Die

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Penelope Douglas
Cora Reilly
Rina Kent

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
Kai Kennicott, Michael Pierce show less

Book 2 of the Dark Verse series. Developments for the two main characters have become more definitive and akin to book one, their stories are so poignant that you can't help but feel deeply for them as you read. In the end, the author delivered a jaw-dropping twist in the narrative that answered a part of the big mystery but opened a new road to continue the rest of the story. The ending provided a satisfying resolution, yet hinted at unresolved questions, leaving the reader both content and eager for the next installment. It was creatively written. However, again the grammar mistakes almost seem like they were never edited before being published.

4.4 stars

I totally didn't see the twists in this story. That is really good writing. I mean, I had an inkling, of the big secret but not actually the who was and how they fit in the grand scheme of things.

Tristan and Miranda were everything. I loved how the calmed the other. And the steam and chemistry from these two was fire.

Looking forward to Dante's story next.

4.4 stars

I totally didn't see the twists in this story. That is really good writing. I mean, I had an inkling, of the big secret but not actually the who was and how they fit in the grand scheme of things.

Tristan and Miranda were everything. I loved how the calmed the other. And the steam and chemistry from these two was fire.

Looking forward to Dante's story next.

I went through this one way faster than "The Predator." I loved how Tristan's character transitioned with Morana. I definitely loved this book, and I am looking forward to reading "The Emperor."

→ 3.5 ★

Enjoyed this a lot more than the first. We get to see Tristan and Morana communicating (finally) but I still longed for more scenes with them. The descriptions might have been a little overdone in some areas, and this added length to where length was not needed. Overall, pretty happy with TristanMorana's story and I can't wait to start with DanteAmara.