Book – Vice Enforcer (Vice #2)
Author – S.A. Stovall
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 250
Cover – Perfect!
POV – 1st person, present tense, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – Crime, Noir, Contemporary, Mob/Mafia, May/December
Triggers – violence, criminal activities, Dom/sub elements, dub/con (if you squint)
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Wow! Another rollercoaster ride with my favourite mob enforcer.
The story jumps right into the action, with Pierce a PI in training. And, honestly, I never knew the rules of becoming a PI, but I love the attention to detail that Stovall added here, showing us how complicated it could be, and all the hoops Pierce had to jump through to make it happen, and start his new, clean, life.
There's still that gritty, almost underground feel to the writing that I really love. It feels like a crime noir, a mobster story, without being over the top or lack the detail. It was something that I loved in book one and that is still there in this book, too. I can't say how happy I am about that, because sometimes sequels don't really do a great first book justice. This one does. So much!
The story basically picks up not far from the end of book 1. We see Pierce and Miles maybe a few months or a year after all those events, and, at first, we don't really know the consequences of all that happened. We don't know what really went down between Pierce and Jeremy – though it's easy to guess, knowing Jeremy – until nearly halfway, when Miles manages to find the right encouragement.
When it comes to characters, I'll admit that I loved the old ones just as much – and loathed Jeremy just as much! – but I also loved the new ones. I loved how Pierce handled Lacy, Shannon and especially Jayden, even the cranky old Ms Timo from next door! It really showed a side to his personality I hadn't thought was there. And I'm thrilled to see that they, and probably Rhett, will be a part of the next book. Because, there is a next book, right? I have to see Miles take on Jeremy. I HAVE to!
What I really loved was that the writing style, the flavour of the story, and the way the plot was put together, was all the same as book one. Nothing had really changed, which can often happen with a sequel, as characters do need to grow and adapt after their experiences. But, the key to this series is that they grow, but they're still essentially the same people. They just grew up a bit. Miles is still the same submissive person, with a slight dominant streak that means there's a limit to what Pierce gets away with, and he's become stronger, smarter, and more assertive. But he still supports Pierce in all the ways he never knew he needed to be supported. And Pierce is the same; he's still the same gruff personality, still doesn't like people, life or romance, but he's a little more subdued, a little angrier and off balance after his experiences with Jeremy. There's a part of him that's broken, but it's reassuring to see that both he and Miles are still the same people down at the core.
Pierce and Miles definitely have a rough-around-the-edges relationship, but that's part of the charm, for me. It's not brutal or violent, but it's not cuddly and soft, either. They have moments of both, they have tempers and different views on things, and they both have their issues. None of that is masked under a fairy-bright facade. They are who they are, without shame. But they really get each other, in a way that means they say things without totally understanding the meaning (such as what happens in this book) and I love that. They have a real connection that is palpable. Despite all the power plays and the one instance of dub-con (where they basically broke the house fighting before sex) they're aware of who they are, each other, and their limits. And, despite everything, they talk – no matter how uncomfortable it makes Pierce. Because he knows that it's necessary.
When it comes to the writing, I'll never get bored of this series. It's got clear and distinct characterisation, a well thought out and formatted plot, great attention to detail, and an incredible amount of storytelling that shows rather than tells. Any background info is given organically, rather than info dumps, and I always find out what I need to know by the end of the book.
In short, it was just as brilliant as book one. It was a crazy adventure and the fight at the end made me cry, but I couldn't ask for anything better. I need to get these in paperback. Pronto!
~
Favourite Quotes
“Jesus Christ. The Pope himself would be tempted to kick this kid's ass. I swear he has the situational awareness of a cucumber. Just when I thought I might not hate his guts...”
““I got your back.”
He grips me tight. “I love you too.”
The statement catches me off guard. Is that what we've been saying to each other this entire time?”
“I wish I was half the person he thinks I am. I'd be a goddamn superman.”
