Hideaway - Book Review
4 stars | 5 spice
Devil’s Night Series Book 2
Focus on Banks (Nikova) Torrance & Kai Mori
QUICK REVIEW
More twists I didn’t see coming that shocked me out of my seat (multiple times). I only gave this one 4 stars because of the…odd…brother/sister relationship; but that’s just my taste. I find a lot of those scenes hard to read. But still loved the overall book and story.
FULL REVIEW
SPOILERS AHEAD ~ SPOILERS AHEAD
Writing & Plot
Again, amazing pacing. I love how these books moved seemlessly between past and present. I think Penelope is really good at writing dialogue. I can hear the characters speaking, it’s very natural and organic. The build up of Damon coming back was great, I felt like I was constantly looking over my shoulder alongside the other characters. I loved the mystery aspect of the Pope hotel and the secret 12th floor, and the big reveal of where the actual Pope is…amazing.
Ok, so now for the plot… I found this one quite difficult to read because I found Bank’s and Damon’s relationship pretty awful (which, I know, is the point), but it was just tough to read. With this one, I would say you really need to be aware of yout triggers. I perosnally didn’t find it triggering, just awful and a little gross. I mean, there was never any direct incest, but he made her dress in certain ways, wouldn’t let her leave the house, and projected his view of women onto her. I would like to think it came from a place of love, but I honestly don’t think it did. He wanted to control her completely. He had to share Will with Kai and Michael, but Banks he had all to himself. It was a very toxic love.
Characters
Well, I was clearly right in not likely Damon, my gosh! As mentionned above, that relationship with him and Banks…yeah… Damon fucked her up, like majorly. It took her so long and so much to overcome the control he had over her, even when he wasn’t around. The abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother was completely awful, and let’s face it his father is a douche of the highest level, but I’m sorry, for me, none of that makes how he treated, and continues to treat Banks and the others for that matter, even remotely ok. I am really questioning how on earth he can be redeemed so I’m excited for his book, although I can’t see myself liking him…we will see.
I am so glad Banks and Kai’s paths aligned again because I’m not sure she would’ve ever let herself become the amazing, independent, confident woman she is. And her character entrance in the dining room; SO GOOD. I loved every moment of Bank’s character growth. Seeing her really open up and push through the grooming and abuse she suffered over the years was incredible. Her sass is top notch and she loves dogs, so of course she is amazing. I loved that scene when she turned up with like 9 dogs to Kai’s clean, quiet house. So funny.
Kai Mori. He’s so cool. Like suave, you know? Banks is too. They’re just so freakin cool.
I love how Kai takes care of Banks but also gives her space to be who she is, however and in whatever ways she wants. He guides her but doesn’t push. Kai is someone who I’d want to go to, to have a deep chat with you know? He just seems wise and like he’d be the best listener. I loved getting to know Kai more.
I also loved how Rika really came into her own, standing by the boys sides rather than behind.
Another good read.