Review Detail

What I liked: This was the first Marked Men novel I have read and while I know I missed a lot from the previous two stories, I was still able to feel a part of Rome's story. There was enough back story so I could get to know all of the characters but more than enough of Rome and Cora's story to keep me entertained.

I really enjoyed how Rome was portrayed. He's recently returned from a tour of duty overseas and is trying to find his place back at home with his family and in his community. I can only imagine the personal demons he would be fighting every day. He struggles with issues from his family and his profession and readers really get to see those day to day moments that affect him.

One supporting character that I came to really love was Brite, the bar owner that befriends Rome and gives him a new purpose now that he is home. I loved his tough love attitude and I'm sure there could be a whole book about Brite and we may never figure him completely out. I think Brite just as much as Cora is responsible for helping Rome find his way.

What Left Me Wanting More: Something with the pacing in this book bothered me. I didn't like how everything seemed to happen so fast all of the time. There wasn't a lot of build up to anything. At times it felt overwhelming and maybe like there was too much trying happen in one book.

Final Verdict: If you've read the other Marked Men novels, then I would add this to your list. If you haven't started the series, I would go back and read the other books first. I plan on going back to the beginning to see how this series all started.