Review: Rogue by Onley James
SYNOPSIS:
Levi Akira’s existence is far from ideal. His mother’s addiction consumes their lives, his academic standing is crumbling, and the convenience store he works at is a constant target for ruthless robberies. But amidst the chaos, Levi finds solace in only three things: his tight-knit group of friends, protecting his neighborhood as one of Jericho’s Boys, and streaming his favorite video game, where he assumes the role of Rogue—a hero who will break the rules for the greater good.
Shiloh Mizrahi’s hope has all but dwindled. With one brother unjustly imprisoned, and the other a sadistic puppeteer, he endures daily torment at the hands of the latter. And his latest demand? Get close to Levi at any cost.
In the midst of another ordinary night shift, Levi’s world is upended when a captivating and terrified stranger appears, brandishing a weapon and claiming he has been forced to kill Levi by his own brother. Levi, torn between self-preservation and an instinctive aversion to harming the vulnerable boy, takes a bold leap—he kisses him. And then, just like that, the boy disappears into the night, leaving Levi haunted by his memory.
Driven by an unshakeable connection, Levi’s path crosses with Shiloh’s once more, igniting a passionate bond that refuses to be extinguished. However, Shiloh harbors a labyrinth of secrets, torn between loyalty and desire. With his brother’s freedom dangling in the balance, can Levi and Shiloh navigate the treacherous path to be together, or will Levi forever remain a hero confined to the online realm?
REVIEW:
These spin-off series are addictive and Rogue was no exception, if only for all the cameos of my favorites from the Necessary Evils Series. Levi and Shiloh are a bit of insta-love but the story is filled with plenty of dangers, a few plot twists, and an ending that leaves me excited for the next book.
So let’s get into Levi and Shiloh, I loved their meet cute, it had me giggling and honestly I would expect nothing less of Levi. From there things pick up quickly, Shiloh and his deteriorating mental health and endless familial abuse. Then there is Levi, with his abuse and alcoholic mother; Levi and Shiloh together are an unhealth, co-dependent mess together. But it works, at least in the succession of the story because things take place in the span of roughly a week. I didn’t hate them as a couple, I just wanted more growth from both of them.
I couldn’t get enough of the drama, and when the Mulvaney family is brought it I was positively giddy. I loved how I didn’t see anything coming and how the cameos had me eager to turn the next page to see who would also pop up. Ever and Shiloh being kindred spirits is potentially the cutest thing I have ever seen. I would say I am only truly torn on whose book I want next, Seven or Nico. Okay, that is a lie, I totally want Seven’s book because every time he made a snotty comment and got checked I was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
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