COLD TRAP

As I noted before, the genre is listed incorrectly—this is a story about the mafia, not about werewolves. The book was initially recommended on Instagram and, unfortunately, fits the stereotype of senselessly cruel yet emotionally charged works often promoted on that platform.

However, my initial impression after the first half of the book was harsher. After reading the second part, I somewhat revised my rating (previously, I gave it ~2.5). Why did the rating increase to 3.5? The second half does a significantly better job of revealing the main characters' backstories, and the scale of their childhood trauma at least partially begins to justify their inappropriate and often irrational behavior. This adds layers to the characters that were sorely missing at the beginning.

The main criticisms still stand: The plot continues to rely on a series of shocking, exaggeratedly cruel scenes that frequently defy basic logic (even within the criminal world). There's a persistent feeling that the authors are primarily chasing the reader's immediate emotional reaction rather than striving for world plausibility or character consistency. If you value a logical, well-thought-out story with believable motivations—this book is not for you.

Who might enjoy it? Those looking for an "emotional rollercoaster" in the dark romance genre, without delving too deeply into details and realism. The cruel and intimate scenes are written convincingly and evoke a strong response. Textual errors and repetitions (especially in the first part) can be irritating but don't hinder overall understanding.

Verdict: The authors skillfully play on the darkest emotions, but do so too crudely and at the expense of logic. The second half adds depth, yet the overall impression remains mixed. 3.5 stars for the ability to maintain tension and the deeper exploration of the characters' traumas closer to the finale, despite all the obvious flaws.