things100'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
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Sexual content, Violence, and Misogyny
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Physical abuse, Alcohol, Child abuse, and Confinement
thaliareads's review
- 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.hannahmcl394's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
If you go into reading this expecting smut then that is what you’ll get. While this book has more plot than other books I have read by katee robert (a touch of taboo series) there is no mistaking it is erotica.
For me, I definitely could have used some more of Jasmine and Jafars backstory to flesh out the story a lot more and buildup to the smut. I really would have enjoyed reading more of their banter and seeing that true enemies to lovers trope though I know this isn’t the authors style.
Having said that I thoroughly enjoyed this book for what it was and definitely plan on continuing working my way through the wicked villains series, Hades and Meg have me very interested in their story and I can’t wait to read ‘learn my lesson’ very soon.
I felt this book dealt with the CNC kink in a very careful way and made it clear of Jasmines consent throughout the story, leaving absolutely no nuisance for it to be interpreted differently. Also loved the use of the safe word and the way it connected this story with the original source material.
Overall it was a perfect mix of dark fantasy with just enough romance to make the sensitive topics more comfortable for the reader.
Initial rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
(subject to change)
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 4 spice
Favourite Quotes:
“To everyone out there who prefers the villains to the heroes.”
“What's the point of possessing a rare desert flower if no one knows it exists?”
“A princess locked in a tower is only kept away from the world for one reason: it has nothing to do with her safety and everything to do with her perceived value.”
“This is not a victim rushing to meet her savior.
This is a queen considering whether or not to treat with an enemy.”
Would I read again? Probably not
Would I recommend? Yes
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual content, Blood, Confinement, and Death
Minor: Rape, Slavery, Kidnapping, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
thecatconstellation's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexism, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Confinement, Murder, Misogyny, and Cursing
Minor: Rape, Blood, Vomit, Gun violence, Death of parent, and Alcohol
rossandhissandwich's review against another edition
But this is my fault, I should've read Better what It was about.
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Blood
bootsmom3's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Confinement, Murder, Sexual content, and Death
Moderate: Blood and Alcohol
ruthiedr89's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Graphic: Murder, Sexism, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Blood, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Trafficking, and Sexual assault
claire_macleod2345's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Confinement and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, and Physical abuse
zodiak's review against another edition
- 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
bookedupchick's review
4.5
Jasmine awakes one night to find Jafar in her room telling her that her father is dead and that she has to make a decision — to leave and be penniless or stay and be cared for. The last thing Jasmine wants is to be put in another cage, but she has been fantasizing about being with Jafar FOREVER…
This book was SOOOO GOOD 🔥 The banter was amazing. The SPICE was HOT 🥵 I was shocked to find out that this connects to Neon Gods!! 😯 I loved the chemistry between Jasmine & Jafar 😍 and I LOVED how freaking badáśś Jasmine is! I would have liked a little more world building, but it’s meant to be short & hot 🌶🔥
Read this if you like ⤵️
⚔️ Enemies To Lovers
🕌 Aladdin Twisted Retelling
🔫 Mafia Romance
💪🏻 Strong Female MC
👤 Public Play
👩❤️👨 Dom/Sub
👨🏻 Daddy K!nk
🏫 School Girl K!nk
💕 Praise & Degradation
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ MC
📘 Quick Read
📚 Stand-alone Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Desperate Measures by Katee Robert
Wicked Villains Series book 1
⚠️ This book is dark at times & contains violence, so please if you have triggers please check the TWs ⚠️
Graphic: Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Blood, Murder, Violence, and Sexual content