The Bookish Ashley

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Jessa Hastings’ Daisy Haites is an intoxicating blend of romance, crime, and emotional turmoil that pulls you into the heart of London’s underworld. The story centers around Daisy Haites, a twenty-year-old heiress to a notorious criminal empire, who yearns for a normal life—a dream perpetually out of reach due to her family’s violent past and her brother Julian’s iron grip on their empire.

Daisy’s life is a whirlwind of complications. Raised by Julian after their parents were murdered, she constantly navigates the shadowy world of her brother’s gang, trying to find her own path while remaining under his watchful eye. Her journey takes a thrilling turn when she falls for Christian Hemmes, a man emotionally entangled with another woman and one of the few who doesn’t bow to Julian’s influence.

Christian’s own struggles add layers to the narrative. Torn between his unrequited love for his best friend’s girlfriend, Magnolia Parks, and his burgeoning feelings for Daisy, Christian’s character is as conflicted as it is captivating. The chemistry between Daisy and Christian is electric, their relationship a complicated dance of genuine emotion and strategic deception.

Hastings excels in crafting a world where relationships are messy, and love is never straightforward. The tension between duty and desire, loyalty and freedom, is palpable throughout the novel. The characters are richly developed, each with their own flaws and strengths, making their interactions and the ensuing drama feel authentic and gripping.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its exploration of the cost of love and power. Daisy and Christian’s story is a poignant reminder that in a world ruled by crime, nothing comes without a price. The stakes are always high, and Hastings doesn’t shy away from illustrating the brutal reality of their lives.

However, the intricate web of relationships can sometimes feel overwhelming, and the constant shifts in loyalties and affections might leave readers occasionally dizzy. The pacing, while mostly engaging, has moments where it drags, particularly in the middle sections of the book.

Despite these minor quibbles, Daisy Haites is a compelling read that keeps you hooked with its blend of romance and suspense. Hastings’ writing is vivid and evocative, making the dangerous allure of Daisy’s world almost tangible. For fans of romantic thrillers with complex characters and high stakes, this book is a must-read.

In conclusion, Daisy Haites earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to for family, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next in Daisy’s tumultuous life.