Mimi
I'm pretty torn on whether this is a two or three star book. I liked the premise of it - a possessive dark MMC who holds the FMC captive until she eventually caves. However, the FMC has sex with side characters more often than with the MMC. There was very little romance between the MMC and FMC. The MMC is possessive of her, but it also seems like he doesn't care about her at all because he shares her often and doesn't seem to do much with her himself except keep her by his side
I was also hoping for a tension filled chase scene when the FMC ran away but the FMC had already completely given into the MMC and was more focused on crying and immediately getting back to him - she gave in too quickly for my liking.
The ending was also average.
This story had a lot of potential as a dark captive romance and I couldn't stop reading because it was engaging with good writing but it didn't have enough romance for me to really like it
I was pretty torn on 3 or 4 stars. The smut and pacing was good. A fun short read. The characters were likeable but they weren't fleshed out enough for me to love them. I would have liked more fight from the FMC on moving in together and the MMC more manipulative
The father arc was also quite basic.
I thought the ending came too abruptly - the sudden jump to the epilogue made it seem like scenes were missing in between. And I didn't like how the bonus chapter was set up for another couple's book - seemed random, forced and unnecessary
I was so torn on 2 or 3 stars. I really liked everything about Jesse and Violet's relationship - the way Jesse steamrolls over Violet and inserts himself into her life, the smut, his jealousy over other guys, his dual persona where he shows a different side to him to others vs Violet, how much he loves and needs Violet and the manipulation at the end with Violet's dad was perfection - loved it.
What brought the rating down was the angst. Lynne's terminal cancer and then ultimately her death made the book sad to read.
I also started to feel sympathetic towards Jesse and agreed with him that Violet is taking the cowards way out. She clearly cares for him, she couldn't bear to see him upset as Lynne's health deteriorated and the scenes where she caved as they comforted each other were so good.
I'm so excited for the next book and more manipulation from Jesse. Will Jesse still go to Japan?
I really liked this book - the forbiddeness, the yearning, the sexual tension, the chemistry, the plot, the smut was all really good. The writing was also really engaging, I never wanted to put this down. It would have been a 5 star but the main characters were just missing a little something that made me think of this as a favorite book. So eager to start the next book to see what the main characters are like
This is either a 1 or 2 star. I almost DNF 80% in. I liked the MMC and FMC together. They had chemistry, the MMC is so possessive over the FMC, the stalking, the smut, the breeding kink, the buying of a company to keep the FMC by his side.
Everything else plot wise, I hated though. I just didn't like the storyline at all, the MMC's family hoarding trash, the MMC having an abusive father, the FMC being drugged and prostituted out by an abusive ex. It just wasn't an enjoyable read.
This book had promise but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it overall so I was really torn between 1 or 2 stars. I loved the idea of a human queen being manipulated by a demon to save her kingdom and herself from a villain male character, with the MMC being super possessive of the FMC. There was something about the writing and pace however that made the book feel not feel engaging. The spice from 58% to 80% was good but then after that it all fell flat again and it felt disjointed and cliche. The mate thing also came out of nowhere.
I unexpected really liked this. The FMC, MMC, the dirty talk, the smut was all really good. I really loved the MMC forcing his way into getting more from Kit and striking out clauses from the contract. It was a 5 star read where I just could not put this down but I felt after the smut at Kit's house, scenes cut off more quickly or were glossed over and mentioned in passing when I loved how descriptive the scenes were before, especially the spice and interactions between the FMC and MMC, that where you could really feel the sexual tension. The POV changes also happened more frequently even in the middle of chapters so I had to do a double take on whose POV I was reading at times. Although I was still really invested in the story, I do feel like my interest and pacing waned after that.
The ex-husband arc was resolved too easily in my opinion as well. Even a scene where the FMC gets mad at the MMC for interfering would have been nice. It just seemed anticlimactic.
And I wish we got to see the MMC and the FMC with their family - the MMC hinted he wanted more kids with her but sadly we didn't get this.
Overall a hidden gem, though the magic did wane after the smut at Kit's house.
I was so torn on how to rate this. The spice and smut was a top tier 5 stars and there was a lot of it - every scene was so good. The writing is also good. But I didn't like the plot or dialogue - it was unrealistic, cliche and cringe I would have rated it 1 star. Even the characters weren't that likeable. The FMC's family annoyed and frustrated me. The MMC wasn't exactly swoonworthy.
It's so unrealistic that an MMC who has had zero human interaction can understand full English conversations and have enough vocabulary to string sentences together, especially that whole conversation he had with the FMC's dad about being able to look after FMC and their baby.
The smut really held the book together because as soon as the FMC was taken by her family 75% in, I lost interest and found myself just skimming
The FMC having no memories of her time in the national park and suddenly being flooded with memories of her time with the MMC together after waking is so cliche. As was the scene with the MMC suddenly having a sister and showing up at the FMC's door or the FMC having confrontations with her family. Or even the MMC being able to somehow find the FMC's house, get to it without a car or money, being able to wear clothes, adjust to society and not be overwhelmed or confused about furniture, cars and everything else
In other words, I'd read a different book by this author - she has good writing and her smut is incredible but I didn't like the plot of this
This was a real slow burn until 50% but then from 50% omg I was swooning over Lowe and I absolutely adored Misery. The romance really picked up and I adored every single scene with them together - my favorites: Ch 15 where Lowe gives a speech he'd be satisfied to give his mate absolutely anything his mate wants from him, even if it's only for one night, the scenting scene in the plane, the blood feeding scene at Emerys, the scenes after Misery is poisoned and Lowe completely freaks out then looks after her as a wolf and then the bathtub, the scene in Ch22 where Misery was going to grab a blood bag but Lowe was insistent that she use him, all of Ch30 but especially the confession scene where Lowe says he won't be able to let her go anymore and the smut in that chapter was glorious, then him being even more utterly obsessed with her
It was almost a 5 stars just because I loved everything from 50% onwards so much, even though the first 50% was slow but then the ending ruined it. I really wanted the ending to be about Lowe and Misery since I couldn't get enough of scenes with them together - I would have loved to find out if they could have a family, and the marking scene but instead the ending felt like a cheap way to market a new book. It makes zero sense Serena was left alive and there wasn't even exploration of the consequences of live feeding, I thought Misery would become addicted to it but we didn't see anything
I loved the plot of this and the main couple's relationship so much. My only complaint is I wish it was more spicy and we got more scenes of the main couple together
The MMC hates the FMC's kind yet can't resist the pull of her. He'll get so jealous over the FMC mentioning or trying to physically touch her childhood friend and the MMC is obsessed with keeping her by his side. All the spice in this book is really good though I wish there was more. The first smut scene in Chapter 12 was top tier, how insatiable the MMC was and the FMC then not remembering anything? And then the one with Dimitri/Felix in the cell in Ch 16/17 of the seal scene in 24? So well done
I normally don't like stories where the MMC is physically abusive e.g. the author's other book Beautiful Evil, but the line was toed really well here and I felt it worked. He protects her in his own way but will let hatred blind himself sometimes and he'll actually be the morally black villain that hurts and terrifies the FMC.
The FMC is also well written. She's scared yet headstrong. I can't wait to see what she does in the next book. I'm a sucker for the MMC chasing the FMC
I normally also don't like relationships of side characters but again, the line was tied really and Felix's arc wasn't too much.
Definitely 5 star book.
I'm absolutely loving this book - I can't decide whether this is equally brilliant or even better than the first book. It's slightly spicier though I wish it was even more. The plot and romance between the main couple is perfection.
There was so much in this book I liked
I loved the chase between the MMC and FMC, the MMC's internal battle of rage at the FMC's betrayal and lust for her when he captured her again, the secret child trope with both the MMC and FMC adoring their son, the MMC using the child to keep the FMC by his side, FMC's helplessness when she finds out she's negatively impacted her son's development and she never could leave Cyrus due to her son's beast side, the MMC refusing to let FMC and her son leave or even hide away in the country side, the smut (especially the first one in this book where the FMC tries to seduce the MMC and completely underestimates how obsessed the MMC is with her) and the MMC's jealousy at anyone touching the FMC. The moments between the FMC and her son are so adorable it melts me - especially the little forehead moments.
The FMC is the perfect blend of weak yet strong. I'm so glad she had Joan to confide in and I loved seeing the lengths she would sacrifice to protect her son, even seducing the MMC and begging. And the MMC is the perfect blend of terrifying power but only he is allowed to hurt the FMC.
I even liked Dimitri and Felix in this and I normally don't like side couples as sometimes they can steal the show - but Dimitri and Felix didn't have too much scenes so it didn't irritate me. Every scene was relevant to the main couple. It was so nice to see Dimitri's loyalty to Felix leading him to betray Annalise without hesitation yet at the same time he still loves and cares for her, though no longer romantically.
And Felix, jealous over Dimitri's love for Annalise and worried about her becoming his best friend's weakness, hates the FMC. But at the same time, when it comes to it, he'll protect her because protecting her is protecting the MMC.
Danielle irritated me a bit but there weren't many scenes with her so that was okay.
The ending made the already incredible book even better!!! FMC kidnapped by second leading male love interest who is also utterly obsessed with her? MMC starting a war to get the FMC back? And the FMC is pregnant? This series just keeps getting better
I'm torn on my feelings for this book - it was either a 3 or 4 star book but the way the book ended made it a 3 star. Overall the plot was good, there were parts I didn't like however and I wished there were more romance scenes between Cyrus/Annalise and family bonding - I just adore their interactions with their son and there wasn't enough, especially after Annalise regained her memories.
I still love the relationship between Cyrus and Annalise and their bond with their son so much. My heart broke for Annalise when she lost her child, Ciel throwing tantrums looking for Annalise only calming down holding the dress when she was abducted, Cyrus's helplessness at his son's upset while missing the FMC himself and I loved Cyrus destroying a whole kingdom to try and get Annalise back. I loved all the scenes of Cyrus and Annalise together after they reunited at the estate - how gentle Cyrus was with her, the way Cyrus lit up in fury any time Annalise mentioned wanting to leave him and the scenes of them together at the hunting lodge were so good with him revealing again how utterly obsessed with her he is - the smut scene there was so good.
The Elias arc was a bit disappointing because rather than being a villain lusting after the FMC, the plot developed such that Elias saw Annalise as a threat, didn't care for her and there wasn't any romance scenes. It confuses me why he even bothered kidnapping her if the lust was going to be so short lived.
Annalise's decision to go after Elias for revenge was such a stupid decision that annoyed me as well. Anyone could have anticipated there were so many ways this could go wrong. Given she loves her son so much, it seemed so out of character she'd risk her own life and therefore her son's happiness to personally torture Elias - it is clearly not worth the risk. She used to always put her son before herself and she used to want to spend time with her son more than anything, but now she's leaving him of her own volition? We also don't have the cute forehead moments from the previous books though I did really like the family scenes that were included
I also am not liking the direction of the Cyprian/Joan arc - it just seemed forced and unnecessary
This was a four star for most of the book - the writing is engaging and I was enthralled by the toxic relationship of the two MCs. It was spontaneous but then none of them could resist each other. The spice in this was really good.
The FMC was unwilling in the relationship and all she thought she wanted was freedom but once away from him, she realized closure is not what she wants and her attraction to the MMC was too much to ignore.
The book was a solid four stars until the MMC went to prison. Then I felt the pace started dragging and it all culminated in an ending that was on the happier side but I wouldn't call it happy - it was more open ended and not in a way I liked
This book is so slow, so slow it was either 1 or 2 stars - there wasn't a lot of romance development or spice (though anything that was there was good) and the plot wasn't interesting - especially all the references to church at the beginning, thank goodness that didn't continue all the way through.
I was really tempted to DNF so many times but I did still root for the main couple and stuck it out to see their romance development, but I really felt this book dragged and nothing happened. I didn't care about any of the side characters and there was so much talk about Frank's marriage.
I did like the scene about 50% in where the MMC's grandmother tried to stoke discord between the MMC and FMC and the MMC shut it down. And how the MMC's reaction to any man's name is to get jealous
I thought it was really cliche that the plot is all about the FMC being the one to mend a broke family
This second book was just as brilliant as the first one until the twist at the end and the forced pairing of Avarin - I really rooted the main couple together and I adored their relationship with the side characters as well - the stewards, Flame, Shole, the cook, Gane. It was really nice especially seeing their budding friendship with the FMC while still spying on behalf of the MMC.
My absolute favorite part of this book is how obsessed with the MMC is with the FMC - how observant he was during the FMC's healing, his bloodthirsty revenge on the nobles for hurting the FMC in the previous book and his manipulative scheming is still strong in this book - the tricking into accepting the mating bond was the best scene in this book - I reread that scene because I loved it so much. I normally don't dig scenes of the FMC getting jealous but I really liked how it was done in this book where the MMC used it to his advantage.
A close second was how jealous the MMC got over Avrin. That whole scene was also so good - like how the MMC was adamant he needed to know details of what happened down to the exact second it lasted
I also really liked the FMC honing and developing her powers - it was cute that she had animals and monsters following her though I wish there was even more
I just really hated Avarin's pairing - it came out of no where and given the love interest had a different mate, it was just odd and forced. It would have been a four star otherwise but this ending really ruined it for me
The writing style bothered me a little because it just read slow and was a bit hard to follow but the plot, characterisation and romance more than made up for it
This was really good - I really liked the plot, the characters and the world building. It was a bit of a slow burn but the spice that was there after the 70% mark was good. I loved how manipulative and dark the far MMC was (he was my favorite) and I shipped their romance. The ice crusted doors during the heat was the best part!
The torture of the FMC by the side characters at the 90% mark was hard to read but luckily didn't last that long. Can't wait to find out what happens next - eee the MMC's final line was so good
Although the author's writing style isn't the easiest to follow, everything else made up for it
This was almost a two star because of how much I hated the FMC's mom and Marco. What they were doing and did to Olivia was such a horrid read I hated it. Thank goodness the angsty torture was over half way in once we got to the wedding scene
I really liked Olivia and Walker's relationship and dynamics. The manipulation to keep her by his side, his jealousy and possessiveness, the breeding kink and he's also the sweetest with researching smoothies, playing Mozart and most importantly, scheming to get Olivia out of her situation. Their relationship alone is four stars - I liked their love a lot better than Lincoln and Monroe's. I really did like both characters and their love. I did feel like any scenes of Walker with his friends or his siblings dragged a bit which also brought the star rating down
It was almost a four stars but there was way too much Rhys/Abby. The smut was more detailed for them compared to the actual main couple. I found Abby's perspective and dialogue really childish and cringe so I was really annoyed how much of their scenes there were and how she was supposedly well educated and intelligent. I was so annoyed by the hundreds of pages of them together that I skipped their scenes and was so tempted to give this book two stars
However I did quite like the main couple, how obsessed the MMC was with the FMC and relentless he was when pursuing the FMC. He was a sap when it came to wooing her. Although their scenes could have been spicier and the ending was so abrupt. I was torn on whether it should be a two stars because of that.
The amount of Abby/Rhys and the terrible ending has meant I will definitely not reread this
This book captured my interest from the start - I am obsessed with Roth and Jasmine. The big confrontation scene was so good, both of them opening their hearts revealing everything that happened years ago and the heartbreak they both suffered and then Jasmine trying to run and Roth just not having it? So good.
And the jealousy scenes as well, Roth is so possessive I love it. I especially loved the line where Roth said he'd burn any prince who tries to save Jasmine from him. And the way he'd become domineering any other man is mentioned, the way he'd reacted to Jasmine taking off the ring and her hugging Matthew/Julius chefs kiss
I can't believe Roth thinks he's going to get Jasmine after 1 year - I wonder when it'll hit him he can't let her go. The guy came home immediately after Jasmine refused to answer two of his calls and has her watched in surveillance footage and her phone. He's so obsessed with her and unhinged I love it. The guy even put locks everywhere only he can override and refuses to share them with Jasmine.
The spice, sexual tension and chemistry is absolutely incredible. Every argument they have where Jasmine holds her ground and bears her heart, the scene at Roth's office (where Jasmine kept trying to avoid meeting him at his office only to be forced by the bodyguard which ends in a kiss in front of everyone and then smut!!!), the way Roth had her back in the ball room defending her in front of Cecil, then leaving the gala with her once Jasmine became distressed despite upsetting the deals he was going to make! He refuses to let her leave his side even for a few days vacation
And Roth gets so angry when she puts herself in danger like her crossing traffic or anyone hurting her. Swoon
Seeing how much Jasmine loves kids, I wish this series has her getting her own family. Surely that had to be a plot at some point. She loves kids and kids love her. Did Roth really get a vasectomy or did he lie?
The conflict and complex dynamics Jasmine has with her sisters is riveting as well. I really can't wait to read more about her interactions with them. And the way Lyle always has her back, like at the end where he went completely nuts on Tucker and then Warren hurting her to the extent she vomited only for Jasmine and her sister to refuse to tell him what happened.
Sarai is the only side character I'm starting to dislike because her constant nagging on Jasmine's progress with writing has become grating even to me. I did like her bulldozing over Jasmine on Roth's behalf on the office decoration and insisting that Jasmine delivers the cookies
I'd really love a scene to understand why Roth suddenly became so cold in the second half of this book and scenes from the first marriage:
Roth's reaction when he got the divorce papers during the first marriage
His reaction when his PIs couldn't find Jasmine after she landed in New York
or even Jasmine's POV of sending the divorce papers to him
And what is the blackmail material on Roth? Is there a second letter?
I also can't wait to get a scene of Jasmine finally deciding to leave him. Roth is going to become so furious and unhinged I'm looking forward to it. Jasmine deserves to stand up for herself for a change and leave the hot-cold treatment, instead of letting Roth put her in the backseat for the business world like in their first marriage or her father. Will this scene happen at the end of 1 year or earlier?
Roth already gets so worked up anytime divorce is mentioned already
And Ford!!! Will we meet him? I really want another jealous Roth scene
Another incredible book that was 5 stars no question. I love both Roth and Jasmine so much.
Roth is so obsessed with her, I cannot get enough. The way he gets jealous at the mention of Jasmine with any other man, the way he reacted at Alexio, the way he calls her his wife and when he found out Jasmine wasn't wearing her wedding ring. And he doesn't want money, he just wants Jasmine and her time. I wonder what he plans for a years time. The contract is up but surely he won't let her go
And I do love a good anti villain. How manipulative he is, he's so good he's got dirt on everyone, anticipating everyone's moves and he just bulldozes over Jasmine to get what he wants.
I wonder what Maximus has on Roth and is there really another letter? I was always wondering what Roth's reaction to the divorce was and we got a peak of it in this book.
And the explanation of Roth's treatment of Jasmine in London - I didn't think it'd be possible for Roth to have an explanation given the words he said to Jasmine at the time and how cold he was but it was well done.
And Jasmine, I love a good FMC who tries and fails to resist the MMC, yet isn't afraid fight the attraction anyway. She doesn't beg. She isn't afraid to give Roth the cold shoulder. I bet if it weren't for the company on the line, she'd have the guts to leave him again.
I just love the sexual tension, the smut and the chemistry between the two MCs. I couldn't get enough of scenes of them arguing, fighting, ignoring each other, missing each other and of course, all the steamy scenes were just hot. I'm also a sucker for all the scenes where the MMC carries her
Side characters were also likeable, complex yet didn't take up unnecessary screen time and take time away from the MCs. I still adore how much the brothers in laws look after Jasmine.
Sarai did annoy me with how much she overstepped in the Christmas market scene - she completely overstepped and I was enjoying the FMC refusing to cave to the MMC
OMG OMG OMG I ABSOLUTELY LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS! The plot, the characters, the chemistry, the smut, the writing, the pacing.
In so many books, flashbacks completely destroyed the flow but it was done so well in this book. I really liked every scene in this.
The MMC is so unhinged, manipulative and obsessed, the FMC is independent yet is drawn to the MMC like a moth to a flame and I even liked the side characters - Lyle being my absolute favorite
I absolutely loved every single thing about this book. And that plot twist at the end??? It was already a 5 star book but that made it even better
I loved this book - it had everything I love in a dark romance and more. I absolutely loved how feral and possessive the MMC was of the FMC - so possessive it was red/black flag. The MMC just had to have her, refused to let her leave, was jealous of the FMC even looking at one of his subordinates and was furious that the FMC stayed with another man.
The FMC even tries to escape him and he is unhinged.
The smut could have been spicier, especially at the start of the book. The writing wasn't as great and the smut was too abrupt but it improved as the book went on.
Almost was a 5 stars
I liked this book well enough. The MCs had chemistry, there was decent plot and smut as well. The FMC, MMC and dynamics were also likeable though I wasn't attached to them and they weren't memorable
I wasn't blown away though despite this book being highly recommended everywhere. The amount of untranslated Spanish and Russian was also annoying. I also wasn't a fan of Jessica - she annoyed me too.
The first half was really good, especially the spice, breeding kink and how manipulative the MMC is. Though the MC couple's relationship was too taboo for my liking (which got more taboo later in the book), the nicknames cringey and I wasn't a fan of the choking/slapping, it was a solid 4 stars and would reread
What really brought the rating down was the second half after the FMC accepts the MMC. I didn't really like the FMC's whole personality switch and the new dynamics bored me.
I'd definitely read something else by this author, especially their smut, though not a taboo romance like this one.
