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somecharm's review against another edition
3.0
This book ended with far more questions than answers and I was a bit more confused than I probably should have been. Although an okay little book I felt it was a theme that is slightly overdone nowadays and that put me off a little.
The main characters Stella Rousseau and Sinclair Vinemont are agreeable to a point. I don’t think much of Stella in all honesty as she appears to be a bit flaky – feisty one minute and then completely submissive in the next – and that was annoying. I like my characters in this type of book to be a little more on the same track for a bit longer than to constantly switch from one extreme to the other.
Vinemont as he is not so affectionately called throughout the majority of this book on the other hand is a little more depraved than I would have first thought in the beginning.
The whole issue of the Aquisition is totally vague apart from the first trial which again is slightly more depraved than I would have expected despite the warnings. The Aquisition remains vague throughout and none of the questions Stella has is openly answered where it makes things clearer.
The Aquisition thing had a very old world vibe to it and the “ruling families” were all old money as you could clearly guess. It’s been said before that old money is the worst and in this book I’m inclined to agree. The people feel like they’ve got this massive amount of power over the Aquisitions and enjoy lording it over them in no uncertain terms.
There were two other brothers – Teddy and Lucius – Teddy was a decent kind of kid, college age with aspirations of being a hot shot lover (with a maid, can you imagine the scandal?!) And not depraved in any way. Lucius on the other hand made my skin itch and Stella willingly chose Lucius over Sinclair at the end of this book even though she hates him. I just didn’t get it.
The full disclosure in the Goodreads synopsis states this is a “dark romance with elements of slavery, violence, BDSM and super-hot sex”. My opinion? Vague. Dark yes, romance? No. The slavery and violence were definitely there and the BDSM for me was quite sketchy and perhaps a smidge overworked. The “super-hot sex” for me was not so super-hot and more bland and a touch vanilla.
Despite these negatives I did enjoy Counsellor to an extent but I don’t feel like the series is for me. It read a bit like Pepper Winter’s Debt Inheritance and I DNF that one so that shows something with regards to Counsellor.
I think Teddy and the group of makeup artists and masseurs that Sinclair got in for the ball were the best bits about this book. I loved the Russian slinging match between Lucius and the masseur even if I didn’t understand a word of it. Alex – a flamboyant homosexual makeup artist (a little stereotypical if you ask me) was great, he was just the right kind of character to keep the book from being too dark and depressing.
The ending was a cliffhanger to be sure although it didn’t really make me want to rush out and get the next one. Maybe in a few weeks time I might get it and see what happens as the next book is about Lucius and Stella *shudders*
The main characters Stella Rousseau and Sinclair Vinemont are agreeable to a point. I don’t think much of Stella in all honesty as she appears to be a bit flaky – feisty one minute and then completely submissive in the next – and that was annoying. I like my characters in this type of book to be a little more on the same track for a bit longer than to constantly switch from one extreme to the other.
Vinemont as he is not so affectionately called throughout the majority of this book on the other hand is a little more depraved than I would have first thought in the beginning.
The whole issue of the Aquisition is totally vague apart from the first trial which again is slightly more depraved than I would have expected despite the warnings. The Aquisition remains vague throughout and none of the questions Stella has is openly answered where it makes things clearer.
The Aquisition thing had a very old world vibe to it and the “ruling families” were all old money as you could clearly guess. It’s been said before that old money is the worst and in this book I’m inclined to agree. The people feel like they’ve got this massive amount of power over the Aquisitions and enjoy lording it over them in no uncertain terms.
There were two other brothers – Teddy and Lucius – Teddy was a decent kind of kid, college age with aspirations of being a hot shot lover (with a maid, can you imagine the scandal?!) And not depraved in any way. Lucius on the other hand made my skin itch and Stella willingly chose Lucius over Sinclair at the end of this book even though she hates him. I just didn’t get it.
The full disclosure in the Goodreads synopsis states this is a “dark romance with elements of slavery, violence, BDSM and super-hot sex”. My opinion? Vague. Dark yes, romance? No. The slavery and violence were definitely there and the BDSM for me was quite sketchy and perhaps a smidge overworked. The “super-hot sex” for me was not so super-hot and more bland and a touch vanilla.
Despite these negatives I did enjoy Counsellor to an extent but I don’t feel like the series is for me. It read a bit like Pepper Winter’s Debt Inheritance and I DNF that one so that shows something with regards to Counsellor.
I think Teddy and the group of makeup artists and masseurs that Sinclair got in for the ball were the best bits about this book. I loved the Russian slinging match between Lucius and the masseur even if I didn’t understand a word of it. Alex – a flamboyant homosexual makeup artist (a little stereotypical if you ask me) was great, he was just the right kind of character to keep the book from being too dark and depressing.
The ending was a cliffhanger to be sure although it didn’t really make me want to rush out and get the next one. Maybe in a few weeks time I might get it and see what happens as the next book is about Lucius and Stella *shudders*
staceybroadbent's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I don't read blurbs, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, and it had me enthralled from the beginning! What are the Acquisition trials? Why are there so many secrets? I had no choice but to keep reading!
Sinclair Vinemont is the man you love to hate. He is ruthless, sadistic, and cold. And yet, Stella catches glimpses of a very different man; one who cares and feels remorse. She hates him for what he is doing to her father, but at the same time, is drawn to him. In a bid to save her father, she becomes his Acquisition for a year. What that entails, she isn't quite sure, but she will do anything for her father, and so, signs her life away.
Vinemont also has two brothers, Teddy and Lucius. Teddy is a sweet, kind-hearted guy, who is unaware of the depravity that is required to become Sovereign. Lucius is cocky and out to lure Stella into his arms. He has a habit of showing up at her most vulnerable moments.
I absolutely loved this book and desperately need to read the second book to find out what happens next! (Yes, it does end on a cliff-hanger!)
Sinclair Vinemont is the man you love to hate. He is ruthless, sadistic, and cold. And yet, Stella catches glimpses of a very different man; one who cares and feels remorse. She hates him for what he is doing to her father, but at the same time, is drawn to him. In a bid to save her father, she becomes his Acquisition for a year. What that entails, she isn't quite sure, but she will do anything for her father, and so, signs her life away.
Vinemont also has two brothers, Teddy and Lucius. Teddy is a sweet, kind-hearted guy, who is unaware of the depravity that is required to become Sovereign. Lucius is cocky and out to lure Stella into his arms. He has a habit of showing up at her most vulnerable moments.
I absolutely loved this book and desperately need to read the second book to find out what happens next! (Yes, it does end on a cliff-hanger!)
nbiblioholic's review against another edition
3.0
I've got many of Celia Aaron's books on my tbr list and figured it was about time I gave one of them a try.
So...
I didn't love it. But I also didn't hate it. I was intrigued by its blurb and the fact that many readers had shelved it as 'Dark', but it was just okay for me.
I'm simpy not emotionally invested in this series. Yet.
I feel like I got a lot of information but not enough. Does that make sense? The Acquisition trials were reminiscent of other stories I've read (ex. Indebted series), but because this is the first book, I'm holding out hope that more of the author's originality will appear further on. The story was well written. The intimate scenes were hot. I'm just not committed to the characters.
Speaking of the characters, it was hard to connect with them. I really liked Sinclair Vinemont and I especially liked how the author has shown his many layers through his POV. But I'm still unaware of his motives and it bothers me. As for Stella...
I couldn't stand Stella. She made me want to roll my eyes, kiss my teeth, go on a rampage, and throat punch her. It bothers me when I can't sympathize with the 'victim'. Isn't that the whole purpose of putting her in this type of captive situation??? I want to feel for her but this character has made it impossible. She does not scream strength. She is not inspiring. She was irritating, insipid, and irrational. She got on my nerves from the get go and she doesn't seem to want to get off.
I'm off to read book 2: [b:Magnate|28605375|Magnate (Acquisition, #2)|Celia Aaron|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1453229292s/28605375.jpg|47784951]. Hopefully the author pulls Stella's head out of her ass.
XO
So...
I didn't love it. But I also didn't hate it. I was intrigued by its blurb and the fact that many readers had shelved it as 'Dark', but it was just okay for me.
I'm simpy not emotionally invested in this series. Yet.
I feel like I got a lot of information but not enough. Does that make sense? The Acquisition trials were reminiscent of other stories I've read (ex. Indebted series), but because this is the first book, I'm holding out hope that more of the author's originality will appear further on. The story was well written. The intimate scenes were hot. I'm just not committed to the characters.
Speaking of the characters, it was hard to connect with them. I really liked Sinclair Vinemont and I especially liked how the author has shown his many layers through his POV. But I'm still unaware of his motives and it bothers me. As for Stella...
I couldn't stand Stella. She made me want to roll my eyes, kiss my teeth, go on a rampage, and throat punch her. It bothers me when I can't sympathize with the 'victim'. Isn't that the whole purpose of putting her in this type of captive situation??? I want to feel for her but this character has made it impossible. She does not scream strength. She is not inspiring. She was irritating, insipid, and irrational. She got on my nerves from the get go and she doesn't seem to want to get off.
I'm off to read book 2: [b:Magnate|28605375|Magnate (Acquisition, #2)|Celia Aaron|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1453229292s/28605375.jpg|47784951]. Hopefully the author pulls Stella's head out of her ass.
XO
soovailyn's review against another edition
3.0
Mini-Review:
4 Stars for Narration by Robyn Verne & Stephen Dexter
One of the better erotica audio narrations I've heard. I almost didn't laugh or roll my eyes during the sexy times. Almost. =D
3.5 Stars for Story & Characters
Trying to find a good dark romance can be tricky. Obviously dark stories will push the boundaries of reality and belief. It's hard to find one that can keep it real and sustain the painful atmosphere & turbulent passion. This story didn't give a whole lot away but it was a definitely layout for a dark tale and unwanted desire. I hope the trilogy ends well! I'm off to read the rest with my friends at NBC.
4 Stars for Narration by Robyn Verne & Stephen Dexter
One of the better erotica audio narrations I've heard. I almost didn't laugh or roll my eyes during the sexy times. Almost. =D
3.5 Stars for Story & Characters
Trying to find a good dark romance can be tricky. Obviously dark stories will push the boundaries of reality and belief. It's hard to find one that can keep it real and sustain the painful atmosphere & turbulent passion. This story didn't give a whole lot away but it was a definitely layout for a dark tale and unwanted desire. I hope the trilogy ends well! I'm off to read the rest with my friends at NBC.
aimee29's review against another edition
2.0
Not gonna lie I was pretty disappointed in this one.
The characters were all basically stereotypes and there was no character development whatsoever.
It wasn't even that steamy ah the nerve!
The characters were all basically stereotypes and there was no character development whatsoever.
It wasn't even that steamy ah the nerve!