Book Review ~ Crooked Crows

4 Stars | 3 Spice

Book 1 of the Boys Of Briar Hall Series, by Elena Lawson

Crooked Crows flips the script on the why choose trope with rich character development, a gritty plot, and a dark, addictive world. This isn’t just spice—it’s secrets, strategy, and survival. With a badass FMC, morally grey MMCs, and a gang that feels like family, this book hooks you fast and doesn’t let go. A must-read for fans of dark romance with bite.

QUICK REVIEW

I was unsure about this series before I read it, I'm not usually a fan of the why choose trope because I think more often than not, books with this trope put spice first, and character development and plot second. But, I can say with certainty, Crooked Crows does not do this. We get a good plot with great character development. Each chapter making you want to know more about this dark and dangerous world. Full of secrets, mystery, and some badass characters, this book is a must read. I can't wait to dive into book 2!

FULL REVIEW

SPOILERS AHEAD     ~     SPOILERS AHEAD

Ok, so honestly, when I first started reading this, I was like “what in the actual effing hell am I reading.” I mean the c***nuggets in the dedication and then the first sentence is describing a unalived person…

But, I pushed on. I thought i’m giving it a go, this book called to me for a reason. And holy hell I am so glad I kept going.

I’m not usually a fan of the why choose trope because I think a lot of books under that trope are just spice and nothing else. Which, if you enjoy that, great! But, I need there to be a plot and some depth to the characters if I’m going to a read a book (and enjoy it).

So far, I have been pleasantly surprised by Crooked Crows. This book is very mild on the spice. It’s been added in just the right places to keep the flow of the story going, without it being all that’s going on. I feel like we’re really getting to know the characters before they just jump into this unconventional relationship. So far, the story is feeling a lot more natural and organic compared to other books with the why choose trope that I’ve read.

I also love a good organised crime/ gang romance. It's like mixing small town and mafia romance together in a perfect swirl of latte art. To me, The Saints (the main gang in the book) felt more like an M.C., without the motorcycles which is another reason why I think I enjoyed this so much. I felt like a family rather than just a ruthless gang.

Diesel St. Crow is the leader and the adoptive father of all three of our MMCs (Corvus, Rook, and Grey), but none of them have the Sr. Crow last name as of yet even though they've been his sons since they were around the age nine. This is because he wants his sons to have a choice because taking his name would symbolise to others they were taking their place as the heirs to the mini empire and put targets on their backs. He wants them to wait until they've graduated high school and then decide. Super cute. I adore that, it gave his character some humanity, but, and I mean BUT, I still don't like him. They way he treats Ava Jade... I'm just not a fan...yet. Maybe he improves his levels of rudeness? We will see.

Speaking of characters, here's my take on our main foursome so far:

• Ava Jade

• The FMC of this book… She is just queen, like, I bow down to you Ava Jade. She is everything you’re always screaming at FMC’s to be in a dark romance. She pushes back, she tells them to go 'eff' themselves multiple times, in many ways. She’s strong as hell, knows her worth and takes no bull. She is a master with blades and can hold her own in fight. She is no damsel. She is badass and knows it.

• Corvus

• He is cold, calculating and definitely the strategist of the group. He is the unofficial leader, always in control. He keeps himself closed off to outsiders. But, I have a feeling he might be the character with the most emotional depth, we just haven't seen it brought out yet. He's also 100% hiding something... I think I have an idea what it is but I won't say my theory for now (have to keep some potential spoilers to myself).

• Rook

• He is nuts. But, I still love the guy. His craziness is just hilarious. He's like (for those familiar with Rina Kent's books) Killian Carson and Nikolai Sokolov rolled into one psychotic mofo. He's definitely been though some shit, but unlike Corvus and Grey, his trauma shows on the outside a lot more. He's never lost a fight in the gangs underground ring (which, come on, that in itself makes him hot), and he is definitely not squeamish...we'll just say that.

• Grey

• He's the 'nice' one of the group. He has the perfect smile, the perfect face, the perfect hair...but there's something dark under the surface. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure him out. He's the most approachable of the group, and finds it easier to relate to peoples emotions compared to Corv and Rook. Seeing his character develop even further will be interesting.

So, why only 4 stars Nat? Well, I just felt like something was missing. I couldn't pinpoint it, but I just needed something more. However, I am immensely enjoying trying to figure out everyones secrets and who the mysterious stalker is and can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!

Also, the ending??!! It just...ended. I clicked to go to the next page, and it was asking me to rate the book. I was like 'WAIT, WHAT?' Thank gosh this is a series and all the books are out or I’d be dying over here.

Thanks for reading ~ Natalie x

And please, feel free to comment below! What did you think of the book? Did you love it? Like it? Hate it? Let's talk!

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