A review by kellylayne
Prince and Pawn by Tavia Lark

fast-paced

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

2.5

Parts of this book were fun, but ultimately, it did not work for me. There are many reasons I say that, but the main ones that I think may be helpful to others figuring out if this is for them: (1) the characters and their relationship were underdeveloped. Its classic instalove and even as I got to the end of the story it was not clear to me why they loved each other. I also felt that Corins characterisation was all over the place. (2) There is a massive power and sexual experience imbalance between the two characters that is not explored in any serious way. I found this particularly unsettling in the context of the undernegotiated pain kink where the powerful, experienced partner enjoys hurting and leaving bruises on his virginal partner. To be fair, his character doesnt know about the others lack of experience in the first encounter, but it is not seriously revisited once he finds out either. I will be honest that I dont generally enjoy reading about relationships with power imbalances or pain kink - so its very possible that if you do, these wont be issues for you.