From the Bookshelf of Reverse Harem Revolution…

Shiv Crew (Rune Alexander, #1)

Laken Cane

Start date: July 8, 2018

Discussion: The Heretics' Corner (NON-RH)

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The Heretics' Corner (NON-RH)

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By Marguerite (M… , adulting hard · 782 posts · 256 views

last updated Feb 13, 2025 10:22AM

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What Members Thought

Feb 13, 2015 Sadie Forsythe rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: blah

This is one of those middle of the road books that has a decent plot idea and the writing isn't bad, so it tricks some readers into thinking the book is good. It isn't. Now, before anyone accuses me of cruelly trashing the book, I'll reiterate, It's not bad either. It's just ok. But it could have been so much better.

My main issue is that the book is a bit of a one trick pony. Rune Alexander (not be to confused with Lex, which is so expected a nick name that it belonging to another character is c This is one of those middle of the road books that has a decent plot idea and the writing isn't bad, so it tricks some readers into thinking the book is good. It isn't. Now, before anyone accuses me of cruelly trashing the book, I'll reiterate, It's not bad either. It's just ok. But it could have been so much better.

My main issue is that the book is a bit of a one trick pony. Rune Alexander (not be to confused with Lex, which is so expected a nick name that it belonging to another character is confusing) is an angry woman...that's about it. That anger makes her strong, makes her stupid, makes her friends, makes her enemies, makes her weak. It's pretty much the core of what she is and that's just not enough character development to make her relatable. And if she's undeveloped, the others are paper cut outs. What's more, it's this anger that moves the plot and saves the day. That's not really enough to carry a believable story either.

That plot too is thin. The villain is obvious from the very beginning and there are no real unexpected twists. Rune defeats enemies she really shouldn't be able to. She intimidates others for no apparent reason. She is pathologically loyal to her assistant for a reason we're never given. Followers of the enemy defect and come to her, with no explanation. There is some weird sadism/masochism thing going on that just felt like the author trying to give the book some edge. A romance of sorts sparks at the very end out of nowhere. There's a bit of a deus ex machina ending.

The thing is, a lot of these same points have potential to make for interesting contributions, but instead they're like dough balls falling to the floor. Just kind of landing with a resounding splat and laying there. Present and accounted for, but of no use. For example, big men being loyal to and taking orders from a woman they're protective of is a sexy button for me. I love big dangerous men submitting to a woman. I just do. This book has several of them, one even literally presenting himself at her feet. I should be thrilled. But we get no history. We see no reason these men are so dedicated to Rune (and visa versa). It's flat. Rune is basically the Trump of the book, talking a big game about how awesome she and her team is, but not really giving anything to back the statement up.

Again, not bad. It's an enjoyable read. But it's full of holes and doesn't withstand scrutiny of any sort.
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Aug 01, 2018 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it really liked it

Shelves: needs-review

Very good start to a new series I'm discovering. Rune's "monster" interests me, as does her conflicting personality. I love her crew and the new team and bonding in the town. Curious on the new adventures. There's some dark and twisted stuff but it's blended with fresh world-building and buddy bonding. I'm curious on Strad and where that may lead. The series only seems to deal with demented masters and alphas so far, so I'm curious if that will ever change - or not. The major storyline is wrappe ...more

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Jan 10, 2015 mirba rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I'm quite undecided on this book.
Onthe bad:
For one she's as stupid as a goat. She cannot plan anything, she rushes head into whatever happens and cannot reason at all. her line of thought and her dialogues are borderline ridiculous.

For two, the supposedly badass heroine spend most of the book crying and being hugged by guys. She's weak and she's full of stupid thoughts.

For three, all the secondary characters (the team members and the bossess) are look alike. They all talk the same and behave th ...more

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Nov 13, 2013 Gwen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: really-good-read, woweee, favorites, hot-damn, had-potential, kick-ass-leading-lady

Just my kind of read - dark, action packed story line with kick-ass heroes, think JR Ward and if you enjoy her you should enjoy this. If i had one gripe (which is not going to stop me reading the next book) is the baby talk which kept on till the end of the book and just got on my nerves, this is what prevented it getting 5 stars.

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