Unfortunately, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. While I understand that every reader’s experience is different, I personally struggled to connect with the characters, particularly the female main character (FMC). She felt a bit two-dimensional, and I found it hard to sympathise with her journey. Her inner monologues seemed disconnected from her supposed ambitions and desires, which made her motivations feel unrealistic. For someone with such big goals, her thought processes just didn’t ring true or carry the weight they should have.

As for the spice? Oh, it’s definitely there. If you’re after heat, the book certainly delivers. But even though it’s steamy, it wasn’t my favourite example of smut. It was graphic, yes, but lacked the emotional depth and connection that I think really makes those scenes hit home. In a genre that often balances intensity with deeper feelings, this one focused heavily on the physical without offering enough of the vulnerability or intimacy I was looking for.

Since this is a dark romance, I went in expecting a gritty, maybe even uncomfortable exploration of power dynamics. I’m usually quite okay with these themes, and I’ve enjoyed other dark romances that push boundaries. However, because I couldn’t connect with the characters, the dominant behaviour of the male main character (MMC) came across as forced—almost bordering on abusive, rather than the consensual dominance you’d typically expect in these stories.

Now, I’m no expert on writing or storytelling, so my opinion is purely subjective. That said, I’ve read a lot of dark romance, and I’ve never felt quite this uncomfortable before. Other books have made me uncomfortable, but in a way that felt intentional and well-executed. Here, it felt unbalanced and, ultimately, unsatisfying.

In the end, this book wasn’t for me, but I know every reader looks for something different in dark romance. For those who prefer a more physical, less emotional take on power dynamics, this might be more your cup of tea.