The Predator

If I had to drink a shot every time the book mentions Tristan's blue eyes, I'd be dead.

One of the first reasons I don't like the book is that I don't exactly remember what Tristan looks like anymore. Except that he has scars and [sic] “magnificent blue, blue eyes.” For several scenes, his eyes are always emphasized every time Morana and Tristan look at each other. At first, it was good tension, but—it became too often that I laughed too much. But in the end, it was explained why he had to stare at Morana so intensely; I find it weird regardless of his backstory.

Additionally, Tristan's analogy-like dialogues became funny because I don't think people speak like this consistently. These dialogues work for me in a way, but if it's done repeatedly—it becomes messy and unnecessary. But I find his background satisfying enough to explain his emotionless self. (It doesn't explain why he speaks in analogy dialogues, though.) To conclude, I don't like Tristan at all.

Next is Morana. I liked her at first for her sparky attitude and computer science knowledge. But? Her point of view isn't interesting whenever Tristan enters her perspective. It's like a different character than what I expected. (Girly simped so badly on the bare minimum Tristan did. But again, daddy issues must have been the reason why.) I expected so much development from her, such as not letting Tristan get his way, y'know? I didn't read a scene at all—especially that ending. That wasn't her choice out of free will; it was her guilty conscience trying to take responsibility for his trauma. I also wished I could have read more chapters dedicated to her skills in computers. To illustrate, hack into your “father's” computer that says, “You're an asshole.”

Morana had the potential; it just dropped for me.

Lastly, the chemistry is missing. That bathroom scene? That s*x on the wall scene? Those were just tools to indicate to the reader that they have feelings for each other. Besides the staring contest—the two don't have chemistry. There is no significant scene where I notice their natural tension. Most of their moments are written forcefully for JUST the sexual tension.

Essentially, this book was a trauma-bonding dynamic that falls under tragic and dark romance, the genre this book belongs to. I'm certain Mafia-themed and dark romance enthusiasts would enjoy this more than I do.

Note to self: I might not give the second book a chance. Genres like this satisfy my curiosity but not my tastes.

(I enjoyed Amara and Dante though, so I guess that's what the stars are for.)