Review: Sparrow by L.J. Shen

Plot Summary

Troy Brennan

Every southie in Boston knows that name. The son of a dead mobster. The heart throb with steel blue eyes. "The Fixer" who can make or break you in this city.

Oh, and my new husband.

Sparrow Raynes

That's me. No one seemed to remember my name up until he barged into my life.

But then he caged me.

Kidnapped me.

And killed every chance I had to runaway from the place where we grew up.

Put simply, Troy Brennan clipped my wings.

I have dreams, big ones, but I doubt he'd ever let me chase them. I have no idea why he'd decided to take me as his wife. But I do know this: pissing off this man will not do me any good. At all.

Sparrow is a standalone, full-length novel. It contains graphic violence and adult situations some may find offensive.

My Review

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Sparrow is a dark mafia romance with a fast-paced plot and an intense dynamic between its leads. However, Troy’s cruelty often crosses the line into outright abuse, making him difficult to root for. Meanwhile, Sparrow loses much of her agency, quickly tolerating his treatment rather than resisting. Their romance feels abrupt and unearned, leaning more toward Stockholm Syndrome than genuine connection.

While the story hints at revenge and mafia conflicts, these elements remain underdeveloped, serving more as a backdrop than a driving force. Fans of dark, power-driven romances may find it engaging, but those seeking depth and character growth may be left wanting more.