To be honest, days later, I’m still recovering from this book. I can, without a doubt state that this book will be on my Best of 2016 list. Which really isn’t that much of a surprise, since The Slayer (Book 2 in the Untamed Hearts series) was one of my best books of 2015.
Kele Moon continues to write absolutely incredible books. Once again Moon does not cut corners where Tino and Nova’s history is concerned. We get every single little ugly and beautiful morsel of their history within the Moretti family. If you’ve been reading this and the Battered hearts series, you’re probably chomping at the bit for Tino and Nova’s books. Oddly enough, this book took me by surprise, I was expecting Tino and Bri’s story. While we get that, we also learn why Tino is the way he his and how he became The Enforcer for the Moretti family. For me, it was absolutely fascinating. I’ve always wondered how and why Romeo, Nova and Tino felt so responsible for each other in that way that they do. I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find another set of siblings that are as devoted to each as these guys are. All three make these incredible sacrifices for each other throughout their lives. (And continue to, without a second thought) Knowing the history, what those guys went through, helps the reader understand their bond.
EPIC. Epic is the word that kept running through my brain as I read. While this book ends without a definitive resolution, I would not call it a cliffhanger. Bri and Tino have quite a mess to get out of and by the end of the book- and I for one, would not want a quickly tied up ending.
As I started this book, I went back and looked at my Kele Moon history and I picked up Defying the Odds 4 years ago and fell in love. Luckily, Ms. Moon’s writing has only gotten stronger and I fall even more in love with her and her writing with every book she writes.
I tend to think of this series like Harry Potter. Each book leads into the other one and the ending wasn’t always tied up in the way we’d like. As a reader, you knew that it was leading up to a penultimate book. I think as a Kele Moon, devotee, I know that Nova’s book, The Boss will the book of all books in a way. If you’re worried about reading The Enforcer (Pt. 1) because you’re not a fan of cliffhangers, I would not let the ending of this book stop you. Personally, I’m glad that we will have some breathing room between this book and the next part. This book is SO INTENSE, in an “Oh my God, please hold me” way. Not to mention, I want re-read Romeo’s book. While I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it, it’s been too long.
I’ve rambled a bit and I apologize but this book really made an impression on me. *Shrugs* If you haven’t read Kele Moon, you need to rectify that.
Tino dropped his head back against the headrest. “I’m tired, Bri. I’m being an asshole to you because I’m just so tired, and I’m sorry about that.”
“Me too. Very tired,” she whispered into the night, realizing he was the only other person who understood. Tino lolled his head to the side and stared at her for a long time after the confession, long enough to make her uncomfortable. “What?”
“Nothing.” He shrugged, his gaze running over her again, hot and possessive. “You look healthy too.”
“I’ve been doing CrossFit before the shows. Helps keep me nimble for the more physical scenes.”
A smile quirked at the corner of his mouth. “Do you need help being nimble?”
“There’s always room for improvement,” she reminded him. “You know that.”
“Mmm.” He reached out and caressed her hair, making her shiver against her will when he tucked it behind her ear. “I’m sorry for saying you make bad life choices.”
“Well.” She arched an eyebrow at that. “I did marry a man who tried to kill me. Can’t really fault you for calling it like it is.”
“So cynical.” He sighed. “I’m sorry life’s been mean to you, baby. I would give anything to make it stop hurting you. Not that I’ve had any luck in that department, but if I did, that’d be what I’d wish for.”
“Ditto.” Her voice cracked, betraying her. “I’m sorry I keep running to you to save me. Bad habit.”
“Don’t be sorry for that.” Tino tugged on her hair, forcing her closer. Then he slipped his hand behind her neck and swept his thumb over the fine hairs on her nape. He leaned in and breathed against her mouth. “Never be sorry for that.”
He kissed her like he couldn’t resist, and she eagerly parted to him in an unabashed need she couldn’t hide. She didn’t even see why she should. They both knew this trip could very likely end with one or both of their funerals, but they had this. They always had this.
With a low groan of defeat, he pushed his tongue into her mouth.
God, it felt good.
She had forgotten how much a kiss from Tino could make her ache. The way his tongue brushed against hers. The feel of his fingers tight in her hair. It was like being injected with a liquid pleasure that jolted her awake after what felt like a lifetime of unhappiness.
She wasn’t ashamed of the way she ended up grabbing at the lapels of his jacket, because he was breathless too. His chest rose and fell in sharp, hard pants of need, but he was pulling away too soon with a grunt of denial.
Tino fell back against the seat and rubbed a hand over his face. He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something. Then he seemed to think better of it and leaned forward to start the car, leaving Brianna frustrated instead.
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