Format:
Audiobook
Included in KoboPlus at the time of this review.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Vladamir of Kessen, Duke of Lakeshire Castle, is feared as a demon in the land of Wessex. The Kings have granted him a title of nobility in exchange for his part as a political prisoner. Discontent, he bides his time in his new home until war will once again rip through the land. But boredom soon turns to devious pleasure as the daughter of his most hated enemy is left for dead at his castle gate. Now the monster bides his time plotting revenge.
Lady Eden of Hawks’ Nest doesn’t know what to think of the man who saved her life, but she can’t wrench her thoughts away. His words are those of a tyrant, true to his vicious reputation, but his touch is that of a man, stirring passion and lust when there should only be fear. It would seem the infamous monster is not as monstrous as he appears.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
Beauty & the Beast inspired. I liked parts of this but there were quite a few really cringy moments as well. The overall bones of the plot was good, but the execution was off.
This is kind of dark romance, but not exactly so it made it hard to embrace some of Vlad’s behavior or sympathize with Eden’s willingness to overlook all his assholery. Both run hot and cold throughout and it gave me whiplash. I get not communicating well, but it was tiring by the end.
Note to authors: anal requires some kind of lube if you want me to believe she enjoyed it.
The big miracle toward the end was odd. The ending was way too forgiving toward major characters for some pretty heinous acts without sincere apologies or repercussions.
Narration:
The best part of this was Mason Lloyd’s narration. I probably would have DNFd if I was reading it.
Rellim Reads 