But they show up for their kids in ways that are just right for them- and I live for those full circle moments. Aiden is stil a PYSCHO, Adrian is still a controlling ruthless mafioso, so OF COURSE they aren’t gonna be perfect, loving, Hallmark parents. I really love how Rina is making the parents flawed even in parenthood, letting them be the true characters we know. I was already fascinated by Jer but I am RAVENOUS for him now- his darkness and protectiveness with his sister, gonna be so yummy with his love interest. For the parents, we get so much GREAT nostalgic content (Adrian and Aiden in the same story! I’m in heaven!) No one outshines the others (or the main couple), but they all sparkle in their own way, and just when I’m like overly obsessed with one, someone else comes along and steals my heart.

Rina also is really amplifying the ensemble dynamic and I am here for it! Each secondary character playing their part and catalyzing or creating obstacles for this couple. They are just SO endearing and compelling together. Like she’s so in love with him and so vulnerable about it, and he’s so obsessed with her and over the top and it’s kinda sweet and super swoony. And I love the juxtaposition of their world and their sexual tastes with actually how innocent and sweet their relationship is.

Creighton makes Anni more independent and brave and self-assured, and she makes him feel lighter and more content. This couple is everything! A sweet, grumpy sunshine on the surface with a more hidden submissive-sadist connection - they are so delicious! The chemistry is just so great- I love how they bring each other out in their own ways. I had been so desperate for Anni’s story because her parents are my favorite Rina couple ever, but then she goes and pairs Anni with another favorite couple’s son- and while our prior pair had some of the worst of their parents’ characteristics, these two ended up more with soft and tender hearts of their mothers’. But most of all, it’s surprisingly sweet, Rina’s most darkly swoony with some epically romantic Romeo and Juliet vibes. It’s just such a compelling and addictive story- the character arcs, the drama, the intricate ways the secondary characters come into play, the chemistry. Story: I am obsessed! This is literally one of my favorite books of the RK world- I just adored it.

Gods of pain rina kent