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brienasbooks's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault and Murder
Minor: Stalking and Blood
dejanai1's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Emotional abuse, Violence, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Murder, Gun violence, Torture, and Sexual content
adaskam's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have had a few days to stew on this book and I still come to the same conclusion. I simply did not enjoy this as much as I thought I would because of how much I disliked the FMC. Blakely started meh and had absolutely zero character development or progression. Her I’m weak, I’m strong routine got old fast and I just found myself rolling my eyes far too much to enjoy it. Ryat knew how to put it down 🍆, so I’ll give stars for that. Also stars for the narration! 👏 Finally, I didn’t know until this book how drugging someone in fiction land is just not my thing, who would have thought?! 🤷♀️ I’m listening to the next book in the series and crossing my fingers the next FMC is it! 🤞
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Violence
kdb_0620's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Murder, Kidnapping, Trafficking, Torture, Medical trauma, Blood, Stalking, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Rape, Pregnancy, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Cursing, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Violence
meganlaza's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Classism, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Religious bigotry, Death, Drug abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Rape, Bullying, Sexual violence, Slavery, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
blueacey's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This story had a strong grip with strong characters. Many plot twists with satisfactory reactions. The ending though satisfying still felt like a drop-off which im hoping is resolved as I continue through the series. Fantastic read nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Violence
cinderellaeyes's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Check your TWs!
The book was great; it was engaging, the world building was pretty interesting BUT I had some issues with it as a whole.
The way the names of songs appeared throughout the book was pretty annoying. I didn’t enjoy that at all. Seemed forced and the writing became awkward.
I wish we could find out more about Ryat’s background and why he decided to serve in the society. I wanted a bit more backstory, wanted to know more about the society itself and while we learnt a little about the society at the end, we didn’t really learn too much about why it is what it is and what’s the purpose of this. I wanted to see and understand more about the Lord and Lady concept which was honestly very interesting. I know it’s a whole series but if I were to just read this one book I suppose I won’t get the full picture of the world built.
I felt that the endingfor Matt, didn’t really do much justice. I felt like he was such a bad guy that he deserved to die a little bit more tortured than this.
My last bit is that it’s marked as a dark college romance and while they all met at school, nothing actually happens IN school. In fact they stop going to school after meeting each other so there’s that.Blakely’s best friend Sarah also eventually disappeared in writing, only appearing as a tool to progress the story arcs.
I hope we get to see a book that features the kids. That would be really interesting for me.
The book was great; it was engaging, the world building was pretty interesting BUT I had some issues with it as a whole.
The way the names of songs appeared throughout the book was pretty annoying. I didn’t enjoy that at all. Seemed forced and the writing became awkward.
I wish we could find out more about Ryat’s background and why he decided to serve in the society. I wanted a bit more backstory, wanted to know more about the society itself and while we learnt a little about the society at the end, we didn’t really learn too much about why it is what it is and what’s the purpose of this. I wanted to see and understand more about the Lord and Lady concept which was honestly very interesting. I know it’s a whole series but if I were to just read this one book I suppose I won’t get the full picture of the world built.
I felt that the ending
My last bit is that it’s marked as a dark college romance and while they all met at school, nothing actually happens IN school. In fact they stop going to school after meeting each other so there’s that.
I hope we get to see a book that features the kids. That would be really interesting for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Rape and Sexual harassment
emily511's review
This book just really wasn’t for me. The multitudes of trigger warnings aside, there just wasn’t much of a plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Torture, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Violence, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Rape, Sexual content, Death, Drug abuse, Murder, Sexual assault, Stalking, Physical abuse, and Sexism
koistyfishy's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 Emerald Eye Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (I don't often give a full 5, but oh boy did this deserve it!)
Oh, LORDY LORDY LORD! Never has a series name been quite so aptly used to describe who I need to speak to after reading this. Because I need to beg for forgiveness after all the depravity that is in this book. I am sure that I need help from either a priest or a psychologist because I enjoyed the shit out of this and that means I need therapy on a whole bunch of levels. I did not expect the ride that I got from this book and whilst refreshing, it was absurd.
This book was dark, gritty, dirty, rough, carnal, and oh-so spicy! And BOY did I lap it up like a little kitten drinking milk for the first time. It played into every dark, dirty, depraved desire that I love, and it just ticked every box in what I NEEDED in a dark twisted love story.
It follows a Dual-POV of Ryat and Blakely. Ryat is a Lord - a member of a really concerning fraternity that is also a secret society that breeds hitmen and strategically places powerful men into society, to essentially own the world. They perform despicable acts and in their final year of college, they are rewarded with the opportunity to choose a Chosen, a sex slave who they own for the year. Blakely is the ex-girlfriend of Matt, having recently broken up with him after finding out he has been cheating on her she is angry as she was saving herself for him. She is extremely frustrated and agrees to be Ryat's chosen for a little sexual adventure and wild ride. Unbeknownst to her though Ryat was ordered by a mysterious man to make her his chosen.
Blakely was a very difficult character for me to get a read on, and I couldn't decide if she was meek, timid, submissive or if she was bratty and fiercely strong-minded. Her actions fluctuate a lot between how she acts with her absentee family, Matt and Ryat. I wanted her to find her teeth a little bit sooner with Ryat, and I really wanted her to give a little bit more to fight when things got kinky.
Ryat is a psychopath. There is no other way to describe him, and he probably needs the same amount of therapy that I do... Actually, maybe he needs a shit-tonne more. He is an alphahole, commanding, powerful, obsessive and possessive in his ways and actions because even though Blakely is a "job"- he is completely besotted with her. He cannot stand being out of control and is destructive and explosive when this is challenged. These temperaments OBVIOUSLY bleed into his delicious sexual proclivities.
Their twisted romance is very much built on sexual attraction and is completely crazy. But something I really appreciated about it was the maturity that bled through in their discussions about sexual fantasy and kink. I don't like it when people kink shame, so it made me really angry when her ex-boyfriend shamed her for her fantasies. Calling her dirty and disgusting and making her feel less about herself. Ryat was able to have an adult conversation with her about what she wanted, what her boundaries were, and what they could explore together. He gave her her fantasy while still respecting her boundaries (even if they seemed blurry). It was refreshing to see his communication and openness that she allowed herself to be vulnerable and explore avenues of herself that were new.
This book is kinky, and given the SPICE rating, you would think it might just be FULL ON smut. And that's not really true. There was a plot somewhere in here, but it does not shy away from having pretty graphic scenes very early on and very frequently... that if you're pretty vanilla, it might make you uncomfortable. BUT SOMETIMES A GIRL JUST WANTS DIRTY!
I was very on track to give this five stars, given how much I was enjoying it. But at 63%, the book turned for me, and that was because it introduced the whole "I want to put a baby in you" trope, which I don't particularly like seeing in college romance. For me, these characters are too young, in my opinion, to be thinking about babies. And no offence to anybody who has had a baby early, (I respect everybody's decisions) but almost taking away her choice by forcing it on her just didn't sit right with me. I prefer if they have a chance to explore their relationship as a couple, as twisted, chaotic and depraved as it is before they start talking about bringing children into this world.
Coupled with that the plot ended up being so chaotic with aspects thrown in without their foundation being built prior in the novel. There were too many unanswered questions that left the book feeling unfinished and underwhelming
Tropes and Kinks:
▶ Obsessive and Possessive MC
▶ College/University Setting
▶ Billionaire/Rich Guy
▶ Virgin FMC
▶ Alphamale
▶ Secret Society
▶ Anal Play
▶ Dub-Con
▶ BDSM Elements
▶ Knife Play and Rope Play
▶ Primal Kink
▶ Voyeurism
▶ Mine
▶ Degradation and Praise.... oh your good girl fantasies will squeal!
Even though I might need therapy for enjoying this, it was still a great read and I love the fact that my 🐧Bestie Twinsie🐧 and I stumbled across it. I am not sure how we agreed to pick this book up, but I am so glad that I had a sidekick willing to delve into the darkness with me and enjoy the ride.
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (I don't often give a full 5, but oh boy did this deserve it!)
Oh, LORDY LORDY LORD! Never has a series name been quite so aptly used to describe who I need to speak to after reading this. Because I need to beg for forgiveness after all the depravity that is in this book. I am sure that I need help from either a priest or a psychologist because I enjoyed the shit out of this and that means I need therapy on a whole bunch of levels. I did not expect the ride that I got from this book and whilst refreshing, it was absurd.
This book was dark, gritty, dirty, rough, carnal, and oh-so spicy! And BOY did I lap it up like a little kitten drinking milk for the first time. It played into every dark, dirty, depraved desire that I love, and it just ticked every box in what I NEEDED in a dark twisted love story.
It follows a Dual-POV of Ryat and Blakely. Ryat is a Lord - a member of a really concerning fraternity that is also a secret society that breeds hitmen and strategically places powerful men into society, to essentially own the world. They perform despicable acts and in their final year of college, they are rewarded with the opportunity to choose a Chosen, a sex slave who they own for the year. Blakely is the ex-girlfriend of Matt, having recently broken up with him after finding out he has been cheating on her she is angry as she was saving herself for him. She is extremely frustrated and agrees to be Ryat's chosen for a little sexual adventure and wild ride. Unbeknownst to her though Ryat was ordered by a mysterious man to make her his chosen.
Blakely was a very difficult character for me to get a read on, and I couldn't decide if she was meek, timid, submissive or if she was bratty and fiercely strong-minded. Her actions fluctuate a lot between how she acts with her absentee family, Matt and Ryat. I wanted her to find her teeth a little bit sooner with Ryat, and I really wanted her to give a little bit more to fight when things got kinky.
Ryat is a psychopath. There is no other way to describe him, and he probably needs the same amount of therapy that I do... Actually, maybe he needs a shit-tonne more. He is an alphahole, commanding, powerful, obsessive and possessive in his ways and actions because even though Blakely is a "job"- he is completely besotted with her. He cannot stand being out of control and is destructive and explosive when this is challenged. These temperaments OBVIOUSLY bleed into his delicious sexual proclivities.
Their twisted romance is very much built on sexual attraction and is completely crazy. But something I really appreciated about it was the maturity that bled through in their discussions about sexual fantasy and kink. I don't like it when people kink shame, so it made me really angry when her ex-boyfriend shamed her for her fantasies. Calling her dirty and disgusting and making her feel less about herself. Ryat was able to have an adult conversation with her about what she wanted, what her boundaries were, and what they could explore together. He gave her her fantasy while still respecting her boundaries (even if they seemed blurry). It was refreshing to see his communication and openness that she allowed herself to be vulnerable and explore avenues of herself that were new.
This book is kinky, and given the SPICE rating, you would think it might just be FULL ON smut. And that's not really true. There was a plot somewhere in here, but it does not shy away from having pretty graphic scenes very early on and very frequently... that if you're pretty vanilla, it might make you uncomfortable. BUT SOMETIMES A GIRL JUST WANTS DIRTY!
I was very on track to give this five stars, given how much I was enjoying it. But at 63%, the book turned for me, and that was because it introduced the whole "I want to put a baby in you" trope, which I don't particularly like seeing in college romance. For me, these characters are too young, in my opinion, to be thinking about babies. And no offence to anybody who has had a baby early, (I respect everybody's decisions) but almost taking away her choice by forcing it on her just didn't sit right with me. I prefer if they have a chance to explore their relationship as a couple, as twisted, chaotic and depraved as it is before they start talking about bringing children into this world.
Coupled with that the plot ended up being so chaotic with aspects thrown in without their foundation being built prior in the novel. There were too many unanswered questions that left the book feeling unfinished and underwhelming
Tropes and Kinks:
▶ Obsessive and Possessive MC
▶ College/University Setting
▶ Billionaire/Rich Guy
▶ Virgin FMC
▶ Alphamale
▶ Secret Society
▶ Anal Play
▶ Dub-Con
▶ BDSM Elements
▶ Knife Play and Rope Play
▶ Primal Kink
▶ Voyeurism
▶ Mine
▶ Degradation and Praise.... oh your good girl fantasies will squeal!
Even though I might need therapy for enjoying this, it was still a great read and I love the fact that my 🐧Bestie Twinsie🐧 and I stumbled across it. I am not sure how we agreed to pick this book up, but I am so glad that I had a sidekick willing to delve into the darkness with me and enjoy the ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Murder, Violence, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
smilestarshine's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Death, Sexual assault, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Gun violence, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Torture, Gaslighting, Violence, and Rape