Eliza's Review: Torture to Her Soul (Monster in His Eyes #2) by J.M. Darhower

Title: Torture to Her Soul

Series: Monster in His Eyes #2

Author: J.M. Darhower

Release Date: 29th September, 2014

Rating: 4.25-4.5 "Don't say it unless you mean it" Stars

Cliffhanger: No

Don't say it unless you mean it… It's a simple concept, one I've said time and again, but something people don't seem to comprehend. You should choose every syllable carefully, because you never know when somebody will hold you to your word. Somebody like me. I'm not a good man. I'm not. I know. I have enough darkness inside of me to rid the world of every stitch of light. But there's one I could never harm, one light I couldn't bring myself to snuff out. Karissa. She thinks I'm a monster, and maybe I am. I taunt her with my touch, get a thrill out of torturing her soul. But I'm not the only one. The world is full of monsters, and I'm not the most dangerous one out there. Not even close… God help me, I love her. I do. And God help anyone who tries to take her from me.

After reading Monster in his Eyes, I was very excited about what to expect with the rest of the story and how it would develop. In particular I wanted to know how dark Ignazio Vitale could really be and to have a greater understanding of the man. I also recall regarding the first book as more of an introductory story. We saw Naz and Karissa "meet" and fall in love. By the end of the book we know that their meeting was not by chance but rather premeditated, on Naz's part and although they subsequently fall in love, this was not part of the original plan but now however; it now plays a vital role in its execution.

From the prologue alone, I gained a much better understanding of him. I loved being inside his head, it helps that he is a thinker, analytical at that. He likes silence, order and is methodical in most things. He's more ruthless than I gave him credit for in the first book, casual in his manner and thinking of taking a life.

"I heard this saying once, long ago, that I've never forgotten: three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."

As a result of Naz's earlier actions in the first book, there are choices that must now be made. Naz's choice to commit to a promise he made to Ray as well as himself, years ago for justice; which will now be at the price of Karrissa's pain.

Although the story is told from Naz's point of view, Karrissa's choice is to love or hate the man who killed her father, the man who still stalks her mother.

There's something seriously wrong with you. But maybe there's something wrong with me, too, because no matter how much I try to hate you, or how much I want to stay away from you, I can't. I love you, but I don't understand… I don't understand why you'd do it, why you'd do that to me, how you could bring yourself to hurt me when you're supposed to love me, too."

As things become clearer in Naz's mind and there is a moment of clarity from an unlikely source, it does not by any means mean there can be vindication. What started as a crusade for justice has now become a raging battle of inner turmoil and serious threat to what he holds dear, with there own serious consequence.

"I'll die someday, somehow, and I'm not afraid. Death will be a release for me. Until then, I live vicariously through others, watching them reach the point of acceptance, watching as they fight for one more breath.

Life never grants them it, not when I'm around."

I enjoyed the speed and movement of the the story, at times still it felt as though we were waiting. Waiting for someone to make the next move, this time however it added to the torture, the ominous undercurrent of knowing every action has a reaction and that, that reaction could impact heavily on Naz and Karissa. He's caught between being the uncaring, unfeeling man he has been for years and being overwhelmed with emotion for Karissa and the fear that either way his decision can cost him, her.

I'm happy with the way the story concluded, although I won't lie I was on tender hooks down to the last page. I must add, it's also very sexy and has lightness and humour to balance the dark. Naz is not the traditional romantic but he does it so well.

~ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!~

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