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A review by kayhush
Sovereign by Raya Morris Edwards
3.0
While I found this audiobook's narration and audio production to be quite well done, I struggled with the story's content. It was very romance-forward (including heavy BDSM elements) with a side plot of revenge. I was more interested in the revenge plot than I was in the romance itself, unfortunately.
The characters felt very one-dimensional. We were told of character development but I didn't see it reflected in the inner monologue. At one point the MMC tells the FMC that even though she is only 21, she seems much more mature. I couldn't say that I agreed, she felt very naive throughout the story. While she had been through very traumatic events, she seemed to shrink and become smaller in response and not grow in strength and maturity.
I also struggled with the concept of an abused and groomed woman being coerced and forced (MMC's word choice, not mine) into a business agreement and BDSM arrangement and falling into the submissive role so easily. While romance with BDSM elements isn't my primary subgenre, I read enough to know that this isn't usually a quick transition. There's a lot of emotional exploration, processing, and validation that needs to happen either before entering a BDSM relationship or during (or likely, both). I didn't see any of this emotional development and therefore it made this relationship feel disingenuous. When they said they loved each other, I found myself asking why. I didn't see any connection outside of their BDSM/business arrangement and insta-lust.
If you are looking for a dark cowboy romance with a morally grey (black) and highly possessive MMC, this might appeal to you, especially if you want a spicy book with little plot. But if you are looking for a romance with BDSM elements, I may suggest other authors or books prior to reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters felt very one-dimensional. We were told of character development but I didn't see it reflected in the inner monologue. At one point the MMC tells the FMC that even though she is only 21, she seems much more mature. I couldn't say that I agreed, she felt very naive throughout the story. While she had been through very traumatic events, she seemed to shrink and become smaller in response and not grow in strength and maturity.
I also struggled with the concept of an abused and groomed woman being coerced and forced (MMC's word choice, not mine) into a business agreement and BDSM arrangement and falling into the submissive role so easily. While romance with BDSM elements isn't my primary subgenre, I read enough to know that this isn't usually a quick transition. There's a lot of emotional exploration, processing, and validation that needs to happen either before entering a BDSM relationship or during (or likely, both). I didn't see any of this emotional development and therefore it made this relationship feel disingenuous. When they said they loved each other, I found myself asking why. I didn't see any connection outside of their BDSM/business arrangement and insta-lust.
If you are looking for a dark cowboy romance with a morally grey (black) and highly possessive MMC, this might appeal to you, especially if you want a spicy book with little plot. But if you are looking for a romance with BDSM elements, I may suggest other authors or books prior to reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.