This book really had everything I like, and I loved it! There was a gratuitous amount of spice, there was intrigue with a little bit of action, there was a deep emotional journey, we got lace and daggers and sarcasm, a 100% confirmed condescending laugh, and brattiness, and it was just very excellent! The plot of this book was really engaging, and the way it was written made this book feel twice as long as it actually was, which for me is a very good thing haha. I really loved Brent. The way he just stayed cool no matter what, didn't let Mercer get the upper hand, but was still so gentle with him, was chef's kiss. He was absolutely crazy for Mercer, and of course gave him what he wanted pretty much every time, but he did it in a way that didn't allow Mercer to stay in his pattern of trauma. I think Mercer might be my favorite brat that ever bratted. He was obviously using his attitude and defiance as a deflection technique, but underneath it all he was still all sass, and I just loved his personality. I loved how this book really did make it so that Mercer came out on top, getting everything he wanted and deserved.