Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - Desperate Measures

This book is hot. I very much enjoyed the scenes and the content (although definitely triggering please check TW before reading this book). That being said, the dub-con early on was very much plainly rapey and even though it later more clearly developed into cnc, some of the earlier moments were slightly hard to read (Although the first hallway scene was incredibly hot and did leave me immediately searching for my boyfriend…). I very much enjoyed the character intros/cross-overs for those who will be stepping into the spotlight for the later books; I thought this was very well done and adds a slight sense of continuity between books despite the shift in main characters that I know is going to hook me and keep me wanting to continue the series. I also thought it was also really cool how the author incorporated various emblemas of Aladdin and character names while also completely changing the story.
I loved the way Jafar emphasized the importance of a safe word and aftercare for those he was with- while there were many questionable parts of this book I always love seeing those things incorporated. The Underworld was also something I wasn’t expecting to find so hot yet very much did. Oh and Meg- more specifically Jasmines attraction to Meg and everyone’s enthusiasm to have a threesome was lovely to see. One of the only real major issues I had that took me out of the book a little bit was the way jasmine calls and jafar requests to be referred to as “Daddy”. Now I loved how he called her “Baby girl” and honorifics aren’t usually a turn off for me by any means but the way they used Daddy was a bit much for me and just seemed odd and a bit out of place.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is how Jasmine is able to finally step into her own power all by herself. As wonderful as it is to have someone search for you and defend you and come to your rescue, I love seeing the character growth and see the woman finally get the power she deserves. Also the fact that she can be so powerful yet also be Jaguars sub was a lovely inclusion :)

Content Warnings

kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Sexy reimagining of Aladdin, wherein Jasmine and Jafar have a thing for one another and Aladdin is the “bad guy”. I liked the spice. I liked the story. There were several glaring spelling/grammatical errors and a rush to the wrap up at the end that made me drop the rating slightly.

Content Warnings

veryvexatious's review against another edition

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dark emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

After reading the dark Olympus series, this one didn’t really live up to the same quality but I still enjoyed the book. I’m hoping now that the characters have been introduced that the story will pick up more like the dark Olympus books did. The smut was a lot sexier but use of the words “daddy” and “baby girl” made me cringe massively. Still looking forward to the rest of the series and hopefully it improves a little bit.

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