A review by bangiebangs
Queen Takes Rose by Katee Robert
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Like the previous book, this one also didn't really match the earlier stories for me. There is a lot of spice (4.5/5), but also a fair bit of backstory and internal thoughts. The conflict here has been hinted at in previous books of the series, and it also seems to be an intro to the Sabine Valley series (also mentioned before on occasion; that series is unfinished/ abandoned afaik).
As for the story, Aurora here gets even more depth than in the previous book, and I really like her character. It's quite obvious from the start that she wouldn't go through with her initial plan. Malone doesn't work as well for me, mainly because she is presented as a very withdrawn character, somebody always in control, and the idea that she would fall in love in the space of three days just doesn't work for me.
Plus, this book (maybe more than others?) suggests that a Dom always knows what their sub wants, better than the sub themselves. That they all read body language super well, and have this magical ability to know everything about their play partners. This might be true in longer relationships, but suggesting this would happen between people who dislike each other or don't know each other is problematic - and makes these stories a little harder to really get into for me. Probably a pet peeve, and all in all, it probably also makes sense to clean your palate (so to speak) between installments and not read all six in a row (as I did).
For the series overall I would say 4*, and high smut count. You definitely get all kinds of combinations and group scenarios here.
As for the story, Aurora here gets even more depth than in the previous book, and I really like her character. It's quite obvious from the start that she wouldn't go through with her initial plan. Malone doesn't work as well for me, mainly because she is presented as a very withdrawn character, somebody always in control, and the idea that she would fall in love in the space of three days just doesn't work for me.
Plus, this book (maybe more than others?) suggests that a Dom always knows what their sub wants, better than the sub themselves. That they all read body language super well, and have this magical ability to know everything about their play partners. This might be true in longer relationships, but suggesting this would happen between people who dislike each other or don't know each other is problematic - and makes these stories a little harder to really get into for me. Probably a pet peeve, and all in all, it probably also makes sense to clean your palate (so to speak) between installments and not read all six in a row (as I did).
For the series overall I would say 4*, and high smut count. You definitely get all kinds of combinations and group scenarios here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Gun violence, Death of parent, and Medical content