puffins57's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Spoiler
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 :)
Graphic: Confinement, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
headbangerhijabi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Murder, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Death, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Misogyny
Please check the author trigger warnings. There's some serious bdsm triggers and con-non-con in this so if that's not your thing skip this book, the series works as a set of stand alonesthaliareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Confinement, Blood, Violence, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Rape, Alcohol, and Vomit
In this story, Jasmine is basically the daughter of a mob boss. So, as could be expected in a turf war there will be violence and death. The book also starts with Jasmine being kidnapped and held in confinement. This book walks a fine line for those who will struggle with sexual content with consenting non consent. In the beginning especially, it's implied that there's already a no-go word in place but it's not used and does feel forced. As the book progresses it's discussed more openly and becomes clearly consenting even if the relationship leaves things to be desired. The enemy in this story is Ali and he is very predatory and does sexually harass Jasmine when the opportunity was presented.sarah_28's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Death
Minor: Blood
daringreader13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexism
Consensual nonconsent- explicitzodiak's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Confinement, Addiction, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Death, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Murder, Emotional abuse, and Cursing
bbygirl21's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The only thing I didn’t like about this book is the ending. It felt a little underwhelming almost like it was rushed and ended too quickly and easily. I felt there was so much build up to the climax of the story and it all ended way to easily and fast. It just wasn’t as satisfying an ending as it could’ve been.
Other than that it was an amazing story. I liked it way more than I thought I would since I’m not that big a fan of Aladdin. But I ended up really loving this dark retelling of it focused on the villain instead.
I’d recommend it for sure.
Graphic: Confinement and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, and Kidnapping
Minor: Blood, Violence, Murder, Physical abuse, and Vomit
lauraeerika's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Death
shaipanda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Very spicy 👀👀
Graphic: Sexual content, Confinement, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault
thanmayi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This book was such a breeze to get through and had an enjoyable plot along with the really food spice, I loved how the book portrayed cnc in a more positive manner but this comes as a surprise to no one as Katee Robert literally the queen of spice. I did not see the twists coming and there was major character development when it comes to Jasmine.
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse