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notamaced's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
yamuna_rai's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
fishreads's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Audric Sandry, the first prince of Silaise, is on his way to claim Geoffrey Marcel as his betrothed. Their betrothal is a political arrangement to strengthen the alliance between House Sandry and House Marcel. Audric doesn't plan to spend his last night as a single man in a brothel, and he certainly doesn't plan to have sex with Corin, a very appealing stranger he meets there by chance. But he does, and the two of them engage in some rough sex and pain play. Both of them are more than a little surprised the next day when Audric arrives to claim Geoffrey and discovers Corin is Geoffrey's half-brother who will also be traveling back with them. Audric can't help being drawn to Corin, and the more he observes him, the more suspicious he becomes of Geoffrey's treatment of Corin.
Audric and Corin's romance didn't really work for me at all. I liked Audric's character in the previous books, but he didn't make the most interesting of main characters. His obsession with Corin, a man with whom he had a kinky one-night stand, made very little sense. Corin as a character was quite uninspiring and bland as well. I didn't find sex scenes throughout the series all that great in general so sex scenes in this book featuring a kink I wasn't particularly interested in I found even less appealing. The fact that his half-brother
Overall, in addition to disappointing romance, the whole plot with House Marcel
I do hope that the Draskoran series arc will be more enjoyable than the Silaisan one, as my enjoyment of the series was diminishing with each subsequent installment with this being the worst book in the series so far for me.
(All the book reviews for this series will be written somewhat quick and dirty as I read through all the books in the span of six days. I've written my quick overall impression of each book as I finished them, but now after finishing the whole series I find myself lacking energy and brainpower to try to write more detailed reviews for each book.)
Themes: dual POV, royalty, fiance's brother, BDSM, magic/mages, virginity
alexreadsome's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
zhannie's review
medium-paced
I'll come back to give this a rating once I figure out how I want to rate it. I gave the first two books 5 stars because they were enjoyable read and something in these stories worked for me, but this third book really didn't work for me.
Like, it follows the same pattern as the first two books, there's insta-attraction, love and connection comes a bit too quickly, the plot connects to previous books and mystery is solid... Considering that this book concludes the Silaisan arc, I'd say there are some loose ends, but this series continues with Draskoran princes so I'm hoping that it'll all tie in the end. But what I want to say is, this book tehnically isn't really worse nor much different from the previous two books, yet I wasn't invested in the characters and couldn't enjoy it, while I enjoyed the first two books a lot more.
I thought I could be neutral about the pain kink (had no idea it'll be straight out S & M though), but coupled with Corin being a virgin, helpless and scared, insecure, neglected and abused and all of that... And then, Audric wanting to hurt him, to beat his skin "black and blue"... I don't know, man, but I didn't like how it was handled and executed. And then, I don't usually mind BDSM themes, but I don't like S & M, so that's why I'm not sure if I'm able to give this book a fair rating... Until I'm able to figure that out, gonna leave this without any rating.
There were some things I really enjoyed in this book, though, in particular Lucien and Emile. I'm really looking forward to Lucien's book, so I'm going to continue with the series.
Like, it follows the same pattern as the first two books, there's insta-attraction, love and connection comes a bit too quickly, the plot connects to previous books and mystery is solid... Considering that this book concludes the Silaisan arc, I'd say there are some loose ends, but this series continues with Draskoran princes so I'm hoping that it'll all tie in the end. But what I want to say is, this book tehnically isn't really worse nor much different from the previous two books, yet I wasn't invested in the characters and couldn't enjoy it, while I enjoyed the first two books a lot more.
I thought I could be neutral about the pain kink (had no idea it'll be straight out S & M though), but coupled with Corin being a virgin, helpless and scared, insecure, neglected and abused and all of that... And then, Audric wanting to hurt him, to beat his skin "black and blue"... I don't know, man, but I didn't like how it was handled and executed. And then, I don't usually mind BDSM themes, but I don't like S & M, so that's why I'm not sure if I'm able to give this book a fair rating... Until I'm able to figure that out, gonna leave this without any rating.
There were some things I really enjoyed in this book, though, in particular Lucien and Emile. I'm really looking forward to Lucien's book, so I'm going to continue with the series.
wusswoo's review
adventurous
emotional
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? N/A
4.5
Really liked this one.
yaoibeats's review
3.0
Not gonna lie, I rolled my eyes reading this so much, I fear they’re permanently stuck behind my skull.
Just lose some brain cells on the way, and it’s enjoyable and sweet. Also kinky…just…dont think too much about it, and you’re good.
Just lose some brain cells on the way, and it’s enjoyable and sweet. Also kinky…just…dont think too much about it, and you’re good.
honeyclouds16's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
This is such an unexpected favorite of the series !! I love how they love each other. The trust and lust they have for each other was so beautifully written.
And the rest of the review is full of spoilers after this point !!
This book was an unexpected journey that I hadn’t expected to love so much. Both of their descriptions of each other, since the beginning, was filled with desire and the want to possess. Their love as well as their trust for each other was beautiful, they really left no room for others.
Corin, such a sweet boy, had gone through so much since the beginning of his life to the point with Audric. In a family who “cared” for him, and constantly shoved it in his face that he should be “grateful” for all they’ve done. He was such a lovable character, and I adored how we saw him grow. A person who is weak, both in power and person. We saw him slowly becoming someone so strong and confident in himself. Corin starts the journey as someone who can barely defend himself, to having the strength to protect those he loves. We see him gain the confidence he was lacking, and it looks so beautiful on him.
Then there’s Audric, a powerful prince who has no weakness and will become king someday. Who’s never shown that he even needs the help, is always being found out by Corin. It isn’t even a slow process, Corin just knows how to read him well, since the first time they met. Which is strange to Audric who is used to not being seen because he masks his emotions well. But now he has Corin, someone he can trust and lean on without a doubt. Someone he can possess and shower with love. Someone he can hurt (with consent) and care for afterwards, they’re such a perfect fit for each other. Audric doesn’t have to be afraid to go all out with Corin, and Corin loves how he’s taken care of during and afterwards.
There’s so much more really, but their love is so beautiful. There was just something about their romance.
And the rest of the review is full of spoilers after this point !!
This book was an unexpected journey that I hadn’t expected to love so much. Both of their descriptions of each other, since the beginning, was filled with desire and the want to possess. Their love as well as their trust for each other was beautiful, they really left no room for others.
Corin, such a sweet boy, had gone through so much since the beginning of his life to the point with Audric. In a family who “cared” for him, and constantly shoved it in his face that he should be “grateful” for all they’ve done. He was such a lovable character, and I adored how we saw him grow. A person who is weak, both in power and person. We saw him slowly becoming someone so strong and confident in himself. Corin starts the journey as someone who can barely defend himself, to having the strength to protect those he loves. We see him gain the confidence he was lacking, and it looks so beautiful on him.
Then there’s Audric, a powerful prince who has no weakness and will become king someday. Who’s never shown that he even needs the help, is always being found out by Corin. It isn’t even a slow process, Corin just knows how to read him well, since the first time they met. Which is strange to Audric who is used to not being seen because he masks his emotions well. But now he has Corin, someone he can trust and lean on without a doubt. Someone he can possess and shower with love. Someone he can hurt (with consent) and care for afterwards, they’re such a perfect fit for each other. Audric doesn’t have to be afraid to go all out with Corin, and Corin loves how he’s taken care of during and afterwards.
There’s so much more really, but their love is so beautiful. There was just something about their romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
seismatic's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? N/A
4.0
lalexvp's review
adventurous
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? No
4.5
This is a super cute BDSM-lite. These characters were lovely. I really appreciate that the plot and its dark elements aren’t overwhelming in this series. It’s just the right mix of romance/characters and fantasy world building/plot.