Scan barcode
rosebelle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Well, if you're into human trafficking, groups of rich perverts, nonconsensual beatings, sexual assault, poorly constructed plots, and abrupt cliffhangers, do I have the book for YOU! But if that sounds like a terrible book to you, I would say far, far away from Counsellor, and I'm assuming the rest of this series. I'm not going to finish it. I'm sorry that I picked this book up. I'm not going to torture myself with the rest. If you have any trigger issues for any sexual violence or violence in general, just stay far away. Far, far away.
I was under the impression that this was going to be some kind of contract/BDSM kind of book. The contract books are a little iffy when it comes to consent as it is. When you add in a dark romance to it, that usually goes out the window, but I was willing to give it a try. This was not that. This was not even a romance. This was a woman getting abused and tortured with some sex thrown in. The book blurb says there's "elements of BDSM." No there's not. BDSM requires consent and trust. If you don't have those things, it literally is just rape and torture. Authors who don't understand this do the community a real disservice and make something that's already taboo look terrible.
Let's pretend for a moment, though, that those terrible problems don't exist in the book. Let's just look at the book's story elements. The story is still incredibly problematic. The characters are either cardboard cutouts or complete idiots. The plot doesn't follow basic story structure. It's more a series of events, strung together by the common motif of violence. Things like rising action and climax don't actually happen because the story just cuts off at the end by a lackluster cliffhanger. There is not one thing that is a resolution, not one ounce of satisfaction the reader gets from finishing the book, except for one new piece of information thrown like a dog's scrap. But you'll have to buy the next book to see anything done with that. Can't stand these romance trilogies.
Anyhow, the only thing that would actually save these books is if Stella left Sinclair's mansion after finding out that tidbit of information at the end and getting ticked and then taking every single one of those "high society" people out, vigilante-style. I'd read that.
I was under the impression that this was going to be some kind of contract/BDSM kind of book. The contract books are a little iffy when it comes to consent as it is. When you add in a dark romance to it, that usually goes out the window, but I was willing to give it a try. This was not that. This was not even a romance. This was a woman getting abused and tortured with some sex thrown in. The book blurb says there's "elements of BDSM." No there's not. BDSM requires consent and trust. If you don't have those things, it literally is just rape and torture. Authors who don't understand this do the community a real disservice and make something that's already taboo look terrible.
Let's pretend for a moment, though, that those terrible problems don't exist in the book. Let's just look at the book's story elements. The story is still incredibly problematic. The characters are either cardboard cutouts or complete idiots. The plot doesn't follow basic story structure. It's more a series of events, strung together by the common motif of violence. Things like rising action and climax don't actually happen because the story just cuts off at the end by a lackluster cliffhanger. There is not one thing that is a resolution, not one ounce of satisfaction the reader gets from finishing the book, except for one new piece of information thrown like a dog's scrap. But you'll have to buy the next book to see anything done with that. Can't stand these romance trilogies.
Anyhow, the only thing that would actually save these books is if Stella left Sinclair's mansion after finding out that tidbit of information at the end and getting ticked and then taking every single one of those "high society" people out, vigilante-style. I'd read that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement and Classism
christina_gabrielle's review
5.0
I was given this ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Wow! just wow!! Loved it, not so much the acquisition trials. But definitely, the dynamics between Stella and Sinclair were earth shattering. And there is so much intrigue and suspense involved with the Acquisition Ball. So much deception and betrayal floating around. You just don't know who to trust.. Stella's father? a broken old man? Or is he really? Is Lucius really better catch than his brother? What about Dylan,can he be trusted? So many questions..I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it straight through. Looking forward to reading Magnate...
chandari's review
5.0
The two main characters in this story are Sinclair and Stella. Who is Sinclair? What does he do for a living? Who is Stella and what does she do for a living? When Stella's father goes to trial and the DA is sure he will get a conviction, what 'offer' does he make to Stella? Does she accept his offer or toss it in his face? I really don't like Sinclair. I think he's a pompous jerk that should be taken out, but then you get curious about what the Acquisition is and what that is about. I know it means a contract for a year. To find out what kind of contract, you'll have to read for yourself. What Sinclair does the first morning to Stella in front of his little brother Teddy shocked me. Day two in the Vinemont household for Stella brings about a day at the Spa. The people that have been brought in are a motley crew, but Dmitri by far is the funniest one. I think I like him. What happens when Lucius comes into the picture? When he says some things to Stella that he knows nothing about but turns her against Sinclair? When I found out at the end of what was really going on, I was floored. Now I have to read the second book and see where the cliff hanger picks up at.
ECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
ECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
kari_41's review
5.0
This story is interesting..
This is a reread for me but anyone interested in this series..it starts out with Stella giving herself away over to Sinclair for a year to keep her father out of jail. She soon finds out that this is something more that she is a part of some sick game called the "Acquisition" for the rich and powerful. This series reminds me of the hunger games for adults.
This is a reread for me but anyone interested in this series..it starts out with Stella giving herself away over to Sinclair for a year to keep her father out of jail. She soon finds out that this is something more that she is a part of some sick game called the "Acquisition" for the rich and powerful. This series reminds me of the hunger games for adults.
susie_w's review
5.0
I'm surprised how much I liked this book. Secrets, lies and suspense kept me hanging on every word. I absolutely love a hero who starts out as a jerk then redeems himself. I can't wait to read the rest of this series to see if that happens. Be warned, this is a dark read with some disturbing scenes.
cheriea0221's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Starts with a 1 year contract for slavery but not sexual slavery. This book is not what I was expecting but I did listen to it in one go.
I will read the next one in the series.
M/F, Abuse, BDSM, slave,
I will read the next one in the series.
M/F, Abuse, BDSM, slave,
alicia1566's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
2.0
What in the every loving hell did I just read? Okay - I don't think this is even properly a dark romance, its more like a violent insta lust stockholm mess. I read this book as I am trying to work my way through all of the authors attending BB4E next year in Vancouver, but I really should have dug into what this one was about before reading it and I would have known it's not my cup of tea.
The FMC is weak and timid, the MMC is a jackass and theres nothing redeeming about the story. This one should be skipped. I'm sure the author has others that are less bananas.
The FMC is weak and timid, the MMC is a jackass and theres nothing redeeming about the story. This one should be skipped. I'm sure the author has others that are less bananas.
karen1214's review
5.0
Sinclair, prosecuting attorney, has Stella's father just about convicted/sentenced. Before he is sentenced, Sinclair offers Stella a deal so that her father won't go to jail. Be Sinclair's slave for one year. She accepts the deal not realizing all that will happen to her. This book was fantastic (even though there is a major CH). I will definitely be reading on.
eviemiller's review against another edition
4.0
This is a tough book to review. While well written and intriguing, the subject matter, though very properly warned, was super dark. The MMC has very few redeeming qualities so far and you get to the end of book 1 with very few clues about what the acquisition is and why it holds so much weight. So far it is a bunch of very rich and powerful people doing awful things because they can. I will continue on with the series !