Author: RuNyx
Series: Dark Verse #1
Genre: Enemies-to-lovers, mafia romance
Pages: 374
Release Date: January 1, 2020
“No one else gets to kill you, Ms. Vitalio,” he spoke quietly. “The last face you see before you die will be mine. When it comes to death, you’re mine”
Tristan Caine
My Blurb
Morana Vitalio is the daughter of a mob boss, but she’s also a computer hacker extraordinaire. When she creates a software program that could bring down all the mobs, and it gets into the wrong hands, she sets out to get it back. Even if that means killing – or attempting to kill – the deadliest member of a rival mob – Tristan Caine.
Tristan’s the only non-blooded member in the most inner circle of the Tenebrae Outfit. He’s lethal with weapons, has no remorse or weaknesses, and even scares his own mob boss. When he catches Morana sneaking into his room to kill him, he lets her go. But he’s not done with her yet.
Because why is someone framing him for stealing these software codes? And is it connected to the 20-year-old mystery of missing girls that might have a connection to the mob world and a broken alliance? Morana and Tristan will have to work together to figure it all out.
Tristan ‘The Predator’ Caine. They called him the predator. His reputation preceded him. He rarely went on the hunt but when he did, it was over.
Morana vitalio
My Thoughts on The Predator
I don’t think the official book blurb gives the best synopsis of what the book is about. It’s incredibly vague, so I hope my blurb above is helpful!
I was surprised, because the mystery aspect really wasn’t the reason that Morana initially finds Tristian; it’s about the missing “codes.” And cyber hacker, author RuNyx is not. The “codes” were mentioned so many times, but not explained at all, which I found a bit annoying.
The mystery portion just kind of happens. There are hints about the broken alliance between mob families and it being connected to the missing girls, and Morana starts getting anonymous messages about it as well. I really liked this part! I wanted to know what exactly happened!
If you’re looking for a traditional steamy mafia romance book, I wouldn’t say this is it. But I actually loved the originality of it. This book kind of sets up the true “romance” in the sequel (this couple has 2 books in the series).
Of course, there were some steamy scenes, but they weren’t because they were in love, and they were far and few between. It was kind of enemies with benefits? Because Tristan has a hatred for Morana even though he kind of likes her, and it’s the “I’ll kill you one day” kind of hatred, but we don’t know why exactly.
Tristan and Morana don’t even talk that much in this book. They just kind of stare at each other. It’s basically that they find they like being near each other – which is a lot for Tristan who is kind of emotionally stunted. I will say though they had some cute and spicy texting.
The book also has some great side characters – Dante and Amara. Dante is the heir of the Tenebrae Outfit, but he’s also like a brother to Tristan. I loved his charm and friendliness. Amara was a great friend to Morana, and she had an interesting and tragic back story. I’m excited to read their story in Book 3.
Also, Morana’s dad is actually the worst. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Final Thoughts
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