MM Romance – Age Gap (22/32) – Protective MC – Romantic Suspense – Insta Attraction – Found Family – Mafia Turf War – Dual POV/1st POV – Standalone
This one had Haven Hart written all over it – and I loved it!
Insta attraction – check
Protective mob boss – check
Wreaking vengeance on love interest’s tormentors – check
Found family – check
Yaya, it’s cheezy and sappy at times, the characters lack a bit of depth, it’s probably not very realistic and it touches dark topics but is still pretty low angst. No angst really. Just like the Haven Hart series this isn’t a gritty, gory mafia setting but focus is on the relationship between Em and Saros.
And there wasn’t anything dark about Saros’ (32) and Em’s (22) relationship, actually Em describing Saros as a teddy bear with homicidal tendencies fit perfectly. Saros’ protective instincts were exactly what Em needed and how he took care of Em, stood up for him and made him a priority for the first time in Em’s life was heartwarming.
The found family stepped up without hesitation and Saros’ sister being ‘fucktose intolerant’ is a new favorite! I also enjoyed the quotes and proverbs at the beginning of every chapter. Oh, and the time jump in the epilogue was nice!
Both narrators were new to me and first I was confused as I have never come across an MM romance audiobook with a female narrator. Whoever portrayed Em sounded very feminine, to my ears anyway, and it took me out of the story every now and then. But, I still loved it and The Killer who Kept Me went straight on my comfort reads list!
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CAWPILE-inspired rating system (original CAWPILE system by Book Roast on YouTube).
Characters 8/10
Relationships 9/10
Plot & Structure 8/10
Atmosphere & Setting (Worldbuilding) 9/10
Writing Style & Language 8/10
Intrigue & Interest 9/10
Logic & Conclusion 9/10
Enjoyment & Experience 10/10
Average Score 8.75/10
The StoryGraph Rating ☆ 4.5/5
Narration 3/5
Cover 3/5
Amount of Steam 4/5
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