melly_book_review 's review for:

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

4.0

dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Desperate Measures is a bold, unapologetically dark twist on the classic Jasmine and Jafar dynamic. In this version, Jasmine is no damsel, and Jafar is deliciously dangerous. What follows is a tale full of power dynamics, obsession, and intense chemistry. Robert doesn’t shy away from taboo topics, but handles them with an emphasis on consensual kink, making it a provocative yet thoughtfully crafted story. The worldbuilding in the Wicked Villains series is gritty and intriguing, pulling you into a space where villains rule and pleasure is power. The spice level is sky-high (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️), with a strong focus on exhibitionism and D/s dynamics, but it never sacrifices character development or emotional tension.

If you like your romance morally gray, steamy, and packed with agency-driven female leads, this one’s for you.