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doyenne.
I don't know what it's like to feel.
To hurt.
The ability was stolen from me in my youth.
I consider that theft a gift.
Feelings got in the way when you were building an empire.
Amassing power.
I had the empire.
I had the power.
One moment in an alley changed everything.
What took over a decade to amass was snatched away in a second.
He killed for me.
But he didn't save me.
To hurt.
The ability was stolen from me in my youth.
I consider that theft a gift.
Feelings got in the way when you were building an empire.
Amassing power.
I had the empire.
I had the power.
One moment in an alley changed everything.
What took over a decade to amass was snatched away in a second.
He killed for me.
But he didn't save me.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2019
123 people are currently reading
2538 people want to read
About the author
Anne Malcom
56 books3,935 followersAnne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
June 21, 2019
Unique, Unputdownable, Unquestionably an easy 5 +++++ read..The Ice Queen and Wolf Eyes. The plot, the characters, the flow were all on point..
This exceeded all my expectations, the cover and synopsis don’t give anything away, so your pretty much walking into the unknown. The first chapter got its hooks into me and from there onwards I didn’t put it down!!
I absolutely loved how strong our heroine, thirty two year old Charlotte was, a CEO of a multimillion dollar empire shed built from the ground up, a woman in a mans world, but not dominated.
There's no easy way explaining Charlotte other than she's perfectly imperfect, she's hard, she doesn't feel emotions and sometimes I just felt so damn sad for her. Would I say she was heartless? No. She'd just learned at an early age that to show any sort of emotion also showed weakness, and by no means was she weak.
She reminded of the heroine in the movie ‘the devil wears Prada’ she takes no prisoners, greedy for power, and love has no room in her life, with less than a handful who see the real person under the armour she represents to the world.
Through one harrowing near death experience she encounters a man named Jacob and later on these two share such a profound unique relationship. He's scarred, damaged, harbours such a darkness within, he reminds me of the character Rocky as he speaks very rarely, but when he does you sit up and take notice.
This takes you on a twisted up gritty sometimes sad journey but it's such a remarkable journey to be taken on, I loved our hero and hero equally.
* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page *
March 18, 2019
Wowsa! This one is not for the faint of heart. This gets one of my 6 star reads for 2019.
I was lucky enough to beta read this one for Anne and it's stayed on my mind since I finished a few days ago. I needed a minute to put my thoughts together. Charlotte is not your average romance heroine. Not in any way. But personally, that's okay and I actually think that's why I loved her so much. She's fierce. She's damaged and I girl crush her in a big big way.
Jacob, well let's just say he is right up there with Bull for me in the damaged alpha favourites from Anne. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Bull enough to have a quote from him tattooed on my arm. Well Jacob, he's alongside him in my heart. All kinds of damaged, scarred and so very messed up. He's darkness personified and I love him so!
The chemistry/sexual tension between these two poured from the page. Truly gritty, raw sex. Some scenes with them are filthy and borderline brutal and yet I found them weirdly beautiful too. This book gave me what hubs calls "sqiurmy face" - the connection between these characters is almost overwhelming at times - in the best possible way.
There’s true darkness to this story. Many layers of it. History from the characters and also current goings on. I loved the pace of the story and got super annoyed when I was pulled away from it to adult. I was invested in what was going on behind the scenes & trying to work out the players and what all their motives were. It's got a bit of a dark thriller feel to it - which I loved. There was more than one occasion when I gasped out loud and I definitely cried. More than once.
Go into this one remembering that not every love story is a happy one. Not every woman is full of hearts and flowers. Some are full of darkness and pain and yet they still kick ass & take names every single day. And that's okay!
Beta read
I was lucky enough to beta read this one for Anne and it's stayed on my mind since I finished a few days ago. I needed a minute to put my thoughts together. Charlotte is not your average romance heroine. Not in any way. But personally, that's okay and I actually think that's why I loved her so much. She's fierce. She's damaged and I girl crush her in a big big way.
Jacob, well let's just say he is right up there with Bull for me in the damaged alpha favourites from Anne. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Bull enough to have a quote from him tattooed on my arm. Well Jacob, he's alongside him in my heart. All kinds of damaged, scarred and so very messed up. He's darkness personified and I love him so!
The chemistry/sexual tension between these two poured from the page. Truly gritty, raw sex. Some scenes with them are filthy and borderline brutal and yet I found them weirdly beautiful too. This book gave me what hubs calls "sqiurmy face" - the connection between these characters is almost overwhelming at times - in the best possible way.
There’s true darkness to this story. Many layers of it. History from the characters and also current goings on. I loved the pace of the story and got super annoyed when I was pulled away from it to adult. I was invested in what was going on behind the scenes & trying to work out the players and what all their motives were. It's got a bit of a dark thriller feel to it - which I loved. There was more than one occasion when I gasped out loud and I definitely cried. More than once.
Go into this one remembering that not every love story is a happy one. Not every woman is full of hearts and flowers. Some are full of darkness and pain and yet they still kick ass & take names every single day. And that's okay!
Beta read
January 7, 2020
Charlotte clutches control like a miser. She's learned that the hard way that loss of control leads to destruction. So she's worked her way to the top, living out her lofty dreams behind the walls of her ivory tower, reigning over her empire with the cunning and calculation most men wish to possess. She's the envy of everyone. The billionairess no one wants to displease. She's cold... she's brutal... but can she be lethal? Someone's out to kill her and they're not giving up. A stranger keeps stepping in to save her life. Who is he? What are his motives? And can the woman who depends on no one count on him to keep her alive?
While I found Charlotte abrasive and really, really rude most of the time, I admired the heck out of her. She was fierce and didn't allow for failure. She had high expectations for herself and for those around her. She didn't wait on people to do things for her that she could do herself. She didn't allow herself to show weakness, not even to family. She lived in a straight line and had no time for anything or anyone who tempted her to veer from that path. Until Jacob. This fine, hot, sexy, deadly combination of a man was the opposite of everything she held dear. He was control and with him she had none. He couldn't be caged, he couldn't be dictated to, and he wouldn't follow orders. I loved how completely he wrecked her. These two were such beautiful chaos.
Steeped in suspense and death, this story was unlike anything I've ever read before and I liked how unpredictable it was. I had no idea what would happen next and had no clue how it would end. It was full of pain and little glimmers of hope and these characters were realists who understood that happily ever after was for fairy tales. I was charmed by how raw this story felt and I wouldn't mind seeing Jacob pop up again in another book.
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While I found Charlotte abrasive and really, really rude most of the time, I admired the heck out of her. She was fierce and didn't allow for failure. She had high expectations for herself and for those around her. She didn't wait on people to do things for her that she could do herself. She didn't allow herself to show weakness, not even to family. She lived in a straight line and had no time for anything or anyone who tempted her to veer from that path. Until Jacob. This fine, hot, sexy, deadly combination of a man was the opposite of everything she held dear. He was control and with him she had none. He couldn't be caged, he couldn't be dictated to, and he wouldn't follow orders. I loved how completely he wrecked her. These two were such beautiful chaos.
Steeped in suspense and death, this story was unlike anything I've ever read before and I liked how unpredictable it was. I had no idea what would happen next and had no clue how it would end. It was full of pain and little glimmers of hope and these characters were realists who understood that happily ever after was for fairy tales. I was charmed by how raw this story felt and I wouldn't mind seeing Jacob pop up again in another book.
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June 30, 2019
★ 2.5 STARS ★
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I think this is a good book, just not for me. Although the main characters are interesting and the story intriguing, I could not connect with anything. In fact, I struggled to overcome boredom. The story dragged on too much and at certain points was very repetitive for my taste. I tried a lot to like it but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
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I think this is a good book, just not for me. Although the main characters are interesting and the story intriguing, I could not connect with anything. In fact, I struggled to overcome boredom. The story dragged on too much and at certain points was very repetitive for my taste. I tried a lot to like it but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
June 2, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Type: Standalone
POV: Shifting (Mostly first person, female)
Rating:
Charlotte Crofton craved control like it’s her next breath. As a self-made millionaire, she effortlessly clutched power in her flawlessly manicured hands. However, being at the top meant she had much more to lose. When Jacob Lucas walked into her life, she knew he was dangerous, but took a gamble as he brought out anew craving in her and risked losing the one thing she held dear.
The moment I started this book, I felt connected to Charlotte because I am her - a much less intense version of course, but I understood her needs and motivations. She got steel in bones and ice in her heart. I could appreciate her tenacity, even if it’s misplaced.
I liked how Jacob had a quiet intensity. His stoic nature hid a volatile core that riddled with violence when unleashed.
I absolutely love the essence of this story. There was an unconventional beauty beyond the concealed ugliness of human psyche. I loved how both characters acknowledged what they turned to. They were both monsters in their own ways. One thing though, I felt the first 60% of the book was a little too slow for me.
Doyenne is a story of damaged souls and the darkness within. It would appeal to readers who enjoy delving into the depth of humanity.
🔸 🗝 🔸 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔸 🗝 🔸
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: Shifting (Mostly first person, female)
Rating:
Charlotte Crofton craved control like it’s her next breath. As a self-made millionaire, she effortlessly clutched power in her flawlessly manicured hands. However, being at the top meant she had much more to lose. When Jacob Lucas walked into her life, she knew he was dangerous, but took a gamble as he brought out anew craving in her and risked losing the one thing she held dear.
The moment I started this book, I felt connected to Charlotte because I am her - a much less intense version of course, but I understood her needs and motivations. She got steel in bones and ice in her heart. I could appreciate her tenacity, even if it’s misplaced.
“I don’t bend, ‘cause I’m already broken. And I ain’t here to submit to your will, Boots.”
I liked how Jacob had a quiet intensity. His stoic nature hid a volatile core that riddled with violence when unleashed.
I absolutely love the essence of this story. There was an unconventional beauty beyond the concealed ugliness of human psyche. I loved how both characters acknowledged what they turned to. They were both monsters in their own ways. One thing though, I felt the first 60% of the book was a little too slow for me.
“I don’t think she’ll heal you, and you won’t heal her, but you’ll create new and beautiful wounds on each other.”
Doyenne is a story of damaged souls and the darkness within. It would appeal to readers who enjoy delving into the depth of humanity.
🔸 🗝 🔸 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔸 🗝 🔸
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 5, 2019
4.5 Stars
Charlotte Crofton is a highly successful entrepreneur and extremely dedicated to her career. Driven and precisely controlled, Charlotte has her reasons for being detached, but as she becomes a target, her vulnerabilities are exposed.
Jacob Lucas is an extremely guarded man who comes into Charlotte’s life at a turning point. He offers protection and what she needs even though it is destructive to both of them.
Told mostly from Charlotte’s perspective, it quickly becomes clear that she has created a hard exterior to protect herself. Knowing what makes Charlotte tick explains her choices and it shows how much she is willing to sacrifice. With Jacob, he sees all of Charlotte – flaws and perfections – but still assumes the risk.
This book has stayed with me for days after finishing, partly because it’s a hard book to classify but also because of its humanity. It isn’t a conventional romance, but rather about two people who are desperately on the edge and quite broken. The path these two Charlotte and Jacob take remain true to their characters and that makes their choices quite moving. I loved their unapologetic ending.
doyenne. is a story about damaged characters who aren’t strangers to sacrifice and loss.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey.*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Charlotte Crofton is a highly successful entrepreneur and extremely dedicated to her career. Driven and precisely controlled, Charlotte has her reasons for being detached, but as she becomes a target, her vulnerabilities are exposed.
“She wasn’t beyond redemption. But she was broken. And beautiful. A fucking enigma.”
Jacob Lucas is an extremely guarded man who comes into Charlotte’s life at a turning point. He offers protection and what she needs even though it is destructive to both of them.
“It’s why you employed me after all, you need a monster to protect you from another monster.”
Told mostly from Charlotte’s perspective, it quickly becomes clear that she has created a hard exterior to protect herself. Knowing what makes Charlotte tick explains her choices and it shows how much she is willing to sacrifice. With Jacob, he sees all of Charlotte – flaws and perfections – but still assumes the risk.
“If there’s anything inside of me that’s able to love, then yeah,” he murmured. “Whatever else there is, is yours too.”
This book has stayed with me for days after finishing, partly because it’s a hard book to classify but also because of its humanity. It isn’t a conventional romance, but rather about two people who are desperately on the edge and quite broken. The path these two Charlotte and Jacob take remain true to their characters and that makes their choices quite moving. I loved their unapologetic ending.
doyenne. is a story about damaged characters who aren’t strangers to sacrifice and loss.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey.*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 2, 2019
GAH!!! THIS STORY!! I have no words to describe how magnificent Doyenne. was. I got lost in the story countless times and the stark reality of who Charlotte was and how the dangerous and unpredictable man at her side not only complemented her but accepted her for who she was, who she wasn't and loved her because of it. Doyenne. was such a fantastic story with an impressive message that happy endings do not always have to be hearts and rainbows but filled with love, pain, heartbreak and never ending devotion and protection.
I won't go into detail about Doyenne.'s plot as I feel going in blind adds to the experience of reading this compelling story. I sat enthralled and consumed by Charlotte and know I will never forget her. Doyenne. honestly came out of nowhere for me and completely eviscerated my feelings, similar to how Birds of Paradise (by this author) made me feel. I am overwhelmed by my love for it namely due to how different it is to anything I've ever read. By no means is it a conventional dark romance or honestly a conventional story on any scale, but it was no less breathtaking. I loved every honest, raw and gritty moment!
Anne Malcom is truly a phenomenal writer who paints detailed and magnificent pictures with her words. The expressive detail in her prose is almost lyrical at times. Saying Charlotte is unique is merely an understatement. She was strong, dominant and assertive and everything I love in both my book heroines and heroes. She was the entire book. Her strength, devotion and passion for the ones she loved and the stark coldness she lived in outside of their love was testament to how controlled and strong she really was. I loved that her life wasn't easy but her hard work and determination to never be a victim and anything less than the most powerful woman in the room was her greatest quality. She was a prime example of the fact that just because you live your life without wearing your heart on your sleeve it doesn't necessarily mean that you are cold, heartless or live your life without fiery passion and in darkness. She and this story were nothing less than perfect. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I won't go into detail about Doyenne.'s plot as I feel going in blind adds to the experience of reading this compelling story. I sat enthralled and consumed by Charlotte and know I will never forget her. Doyenne. honestly came out of nowhere for me and completely eviscerated my feelings, similar to how Birds of Paradise (by this author) made me feel. I am overwhelmed by my love for it namely due to how different it is to anything I've ever read. By no means is it a conventional dark romance or honestly a conventional story on any scale, but it was no less breathtaking. I loved every honest, raw and gritty moment!
Anne Malcom is truly a phenomenal writer who paints detailed and magnificent pictures with her words. The expressive detail in her prose is almost lyrical at times. Saying Charlotte is unique is merely an understatement. She was strong, dominant and assertive and everything I love in both my book heroines and heroes. She was the entire book. Her strength, devotion and passion for the ones she loved and the stark coldness she lived in outside of their love was testament to how controlled and strong she really was. I loved that her life wasn't easy but her hard work and determination to never be a victim and anything less than the most powerful woman in the room was her greatest quality. She was a prime example of the fact that just because you live your life without wearing your heart on your sleeve it doesn't necessarily mean that you are cold, heartless or live your life without fiery passion and in darkness. She and this story were nothing less than perfect. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
April 17, 2021
“You don’t need a lifetime for someone to change you. You only need a moment.”
I am in awe of all the words written by this new to me author. (hello 60 highlights. 🤪)
This Story is unique and unexpected.
It is dark, suspenseful,raw and gritty.
It is also about heartbreak, strength, protection and love.
Every character is complex and purposeful.
They are strong but broken, beautiful but damaged.
It will leave you emotionally raw.
One click now.
Wolf eyes, Boots, Rambo.
Let’s chat books
https://www.instagram.com/bluvsbooks/
I am in awe of all the words written by this new to me author. (hello 60 highlights. 🤪)
This Story is unique and unexpected.
It is dark, suspenseful,raw and gritty.
It is also about heartbreak, strength, protection and love.
Every character is complex and purposeful.
They are strong but broken, beautiful but damaged.
It will leave you emotionally raw.
One click now.
Wolf eyes, Boots, Rambo.
Let’s chat books
https://www.instagram.com/bluvsbooks/
June 25, 2019
I finished this book about two hours ago and I still can't wrap my mind around the words that will do it justice.
Charlotte is Doyenne. No question, no doubt, much to the chagrin of others in her field. She doesn't play it safe, she plays to win. Period. There is a reason she's where she is, she catapulted herself there by taking chances and risking it all. But when you're at the top, it puts a target on your back, and everyone takes aim.
Jacob, the man is an island. His own isolated, island. He is beyond competent physically, but is a shell of his former self, hence his self induced isolation. No ties, no commitments beyond the current job.
When they cross paths, they don't try to fix or change each other, they just....are. Theirs isn't some hearts and flowers deal, nothing could be further from the truth, but for them, it works. Honestly, for either of them it is the only thing that could work. If you're looking for sunshine and rainbows, this isn't your story. If you want something that tugs at your insides, pulls them out, flips them around and shoves them back in, one-click this then buckle up. You've been warned.
Charlotte is Doyenne. No question, no doubt, much to the chagrin of others in her field. She doesn't play it safe, she plays to win. Period. There is a reason she's where she is, she catapulted herself there by taking chances and risking it all. But when you're at the top, it puts a target on your back, and everyone takes aim.
Jacob, the man is an island. His own isolated, island. He is beyond competent physically, but is a shell of his former self, hence his self induced isolation. No ties, no commitments beyond the current job.
When they cross paths, they don't try to fix or change each other, they just....are. Theirs isn't some hearts and flowers deal, nothing could be further from the truth, but for them, it works. Honestly, for either of them it is the only thing that could work. If you're looking for sunshine and rainbows, this isn't your story. If you want something that tugs at your insides, pulls them out, flips them around and shoves them back in, one-click this then buckle up. You've been warned.
March 29, 2019
Review to come closer to release date. But TBR this bad boy.
March 12, 2024
Not at all what I expected, and I loved every minute of it.
I’m not even sure how to write a review for this book, its dark and brutal and harsh, sad and heartbreaking and yet an amazing book with the only happy ending these two unconventional characters would want. This isn’t your happy go lucky book, it won’t give you thoughts of walking through the tulips but it also won’t leave you once your done reading this book. And both Jacob and Charlotte will be characters you won’t be able to stop thinking about. Now saying that this book isn’t some crazy train wreck, but like a wreck once you pick this book up you won’t be able to look away from it.
Charlotte is the most powerful woman in business she rules and wins everything she sets her mind to and her newest project is no different, it will make her career something unheard of. Till she walks home late one night and a man she meets on the street has plans of his own. Not being able to guess her life would take this turn a dark hero steps in and saves her. Jacob isn’t a hero but he is to Charlotte. He’s no prince charming running in on his white steed he’s a dark all consuming presence who does what he does best as well as what needs to be done.
Now Charlotte’s life is completely different and Jacob is yet again there for Charlotte and now there’s no leaving Charlottes life. What started as something simple, dark but simple in Both Charlotte and Jacobs life quickly turns into a thing neither of these two people thought they would ever have. And though they both come from different world’s there’s something they both know and that is that the world is a cruel ugly place that isn’t finished with them yet.
Like Anne Malcom’s last book I’m having a hard time reviewing this book. It’s not the same book not even similar but like the last book I was blown away with this one. Both Jacob and Charlotte have ugly hard lives but maybe that’s why I fell in love with them both so much and was rooting for them so hard. Their love may not be conventional but it was amazing and beautiful and I loved seeing them fall in love when at times it seemed like the world was falling apart all around them.
I was so surprised at several things that happened in this book, I’m pretty good at guessing plots and turns but Anne Malcom completely shocked me. Though this isn’t her typical book we see the talent and are transported to a world that she took so much time with.. When we read most of us want happy and for our books to fit into a box we have created in our mind and Jacob and Charlotte don’t’ and their lives don’t but seeing them find love and beauty with everything going around them was amazing.
I don’t want to spoil anything form this book so I am being a little vague (again like my last review) on purpose. I will say I highly recommend this book, and though it’s been a few days since I have read this book you should know that I am still have emotions and feelings toward this story, and it’s one I find myself thinking about often. And if you read a book and days later it still comes back to you and you can’t seem to let it go I think that says it all.
*thank you Anne Malcom for this Beta copy.
I’m not even sure how to write a review for this book, its dark and brutal and harsh, sad and heartbreaking and yet an amazing book with the only happy ending these two unconventional characters would want. This isn’t your happy go lucky book, it won’t give you thoughts of walking through the tulips but it also won’t leave you once your done reading this book. And both Jacob and Charlotte will be characters you won’t be able to stop thinking about. Now saying that this book isn’t some crazy train wreck, but like a wreck once you pick this book up you won’t be able to look away from it.
Charlotte is the most powerful woman in business she rules and wins everything she sets her mind to and her newest project is no different, it will make her career something unheard of. Till she walks home late one night and a man she meets on the street has plans of his own. Not being able to guess her life would take this turn a dark hero steps in and saves her. Jacob isn’t a hero but he is to Charlotte. He’s no prince charming running in on his white steed he’s a dark all consuming presence who does what he does best as well as what needs to be done.
Now Charlotte’s life is completely different and Jacob is yet again there for Charlotte and now there’s no leaving Charlottes life. What started as something simple, dark but simple in Both Charlotte and Jacobs life quickly turns into a thing neither of these two people thought they would ever have. And though they both come from different world’s there’s something they both know and that is that the world is a cruel ugly place that isn’t finished with them yet.
Like Anne Malcom’s last book I’m having a hard time reviewing this book. It’s not the same book not even similar but like the last book I was blown away with this one. Both Jacob and Charlotte have ugly hard lives but maybe that’s why I fell in love with them both so much and was rooting for them so hard. Their love may not be conventional but it was amazing and beautiful and I loved seeing them fall in love when at times it seemed like the world was falling apart all around them.
I was so surprised at several things that happened in this book, I’m pretty good at guessing plots and turns but Anne Malcom completely shocked me. Though this isn’t her typical book we see the talent and are transported to a world that she took so much time with.. When we read most of us want happy and for our books to fit into a box we have created in our mind and Jacob and Charlotte don’t’ and their lives don’t but seeing them find love and beauty with everything going around them was amazing.
I don’t want to spoil anything form this book so I am being a little vague (again like my last review) on purpose. I will say I highly recommend this book, and though it’s been a few days since I have read this book you should know that I am still have emotions and feelings toward this story, and it’s one I find myself thinking about often. And if you read a book and days later it still comes back to you and you can’t seem to let it go I think that says it all.
*thank you Anne Malcom for this Beta copy.
Read
July 11, 2019I really couldn't get into this one and this is the second book from this author that was a miss, so I might have to call it quits :/
September 1, 2020
Have you ever come across a book that changed your perspective on almost everything? A book that you didn't expect, that you didn't think you'd even like until one moment changed your entire perspective?
doyenne. by Anne Malcom is such a book. It's a standalone novel that has transcended the standards of dark romance. It's gritty, dark, raw and so real. It's confronting in all the best ways. It is completely unlike anything this author has written in the past and I have honestly loved every moment on it. Reading this book took a heavy toll on my mind and soul, so I cannot even imagine the toll it took on this author when she wrote it. To portray such a heavy mindset and incorporate it into a novel astounds me.
Her characters are challenging, complex and so pure, my heart literally ached in their presence. Charlotte is the literal embodiment of a fierce, independent woman. A CEO and a ruthless businesswoman, it's a hard thing being a woman in a man's world. She is strong, cold and quite menacing, but it's because, in her life, it was the only way to survive. She doesn't do feelings and no one has ever fought past her cold exterior, trust is rarely given because the only person you can count on is yourself. But a violent incident shatters that exterior when she comes across Jacob. Broody, quiet, possessive Jacob. The events that follow bring them closer, much to her displeasure but she fights every step of the way. I won't say much more because of spoilers but just know that it's not your normal romance.
It also contains other unexpected characters. And the relationships were filled with so much love, just reading about these interactions made me cry. I couldn't even handle how genuine and pure that love was. A love so unconditional, so real & true, I dare you to look away. Be ready for a dark story. It'll probably ruin you. You'll probably be traumatized, it might envoke some really dangerous feelings within you, but it's apart of the journey. And what a journey it is. Anne Malcom has really outdone herself. Every book released better than the last and I've literally been with her from the beginning. Watching the growth in not just her writing, but her personality, it is so inspiring to me and I can't wait to see where she takes it from here. Bravo Anne! You've really outdone yourself.
doyenne. by Anne Malcom is such a book. It's a standalone novel that has transcended the standards of dark romance. It's gritty, dark, raw and so real. It's confronting in all the best ways. It is completely unlike anything this author has written in the past and I have honestly loved every moment on it. Reading this book took a heavy toll on my mind and soul, so I cannot even imagine the toll it took on this author when she wrote it. To portray such a heavy mindset and incorporate it into a novel astounds me.
Her characters are challenging, complex and so pure, my heart literally ached in their presence. Charlotte is the literal embodiment of a fierce, independent woman. A CEO and a ruthless businesswoman, it's a hard thing being a woman in a man's world. She is strong, cold and quite menacing, but it's because, in her life, it was the only way to survive. She doesn't do feelings and no one has ever fought past her cold exterior, trust is rarely given because the only person you can count on is yourself. But a violent incident shatters that exterior when she comes across Jacob. Broody, quiet, possessive Jacob. The events that follow bring them closer, much to her displeasure but she fights every step of the way. I won't say much more because of spoilers but just know that it's not your normal romance.
It also contains other unexpected characters. And the relationships were filled with so much love, just reading about these interactions made me cry. I couldn't even handle how genuine and pure that love was. A love so unconditional, so real & true, I dare you to look away. Be ready for a dark story. It'll probably ruin you. You'll probably be traumatized, it might envoke some really dangerous feelings within you, but it's apart of the journey. And what a journey it is. Anne Malcom has really outdone herself. Every book released better than the last and I've literally been with her from the beginning. Watching the growth in not just her writing, but her personality, it is so inspiring to me and I can't wait to see where she takes it from here. Bravo Anne! You've really outdone yourself.
May 26, 2019
My words in no way could not do this book justice. This is one you need to read to get the full effect of how mind blowing phenomenal this story is. If you want a darker story with a strong ruthless female lead who does not bow down to anyone than I suggest you one click as soon as you can, you will not be disappointed!!! My top read if 2019!!
June 25, 2019
Charlotte and Jacob story is perfectly imperfect. Don’t be expecting hearts and flowers because in this story you won’t find that.
Anne has killed me with this story story. This is probably my favourite book to date of hers. The emotion,the rawness, the grit, the suspense and the pain anne delivers is what makes this book one beautiful story.
I absolutely loved Charlotte, how bad ass and complex she is. When Charlotte comes into a situation, we meet her mystery man.
Jacob.
Jacob is a guy your going to fall in love with 10x more. His silent, dark and broody self is what drawls you in. From the beginning of this book he is such a mystery and I was hooked like a junkie needing to know all about him.
Anne definitely shows us the true darkness within this story especially the darkness that is living within these characters. You will be so invested in this story with the sadness, and heartache.
I don’t want to give anything anyway but you need to go into this book blind. Expect the unexpected with this book with twists and turns that will blind you.
But remember never trust anybody.
If your into a darker story with a strong kick ass heroine who will bow down to nobody. She is the Doyenne. Then this book is for you, one click this book as soon as its available. You won’t be disappointed.
Anne has killed me with this story story. This is probably my favourite book to date of hers. The emotion,the rawness, the grit, the suspense and the pain anne delivers is what makes this book one beautiful story.
I absolutely loved Charlotte, how bad ass and complex she is. When Charlotte comes into a situation, we meet her mystery man.
Jacob.
Jacob is a guy your going to fall in love with 10x more. His silent, dark and broody self is what drawls you in. From the beginning of this book he is such a mystery and I was hooked like a junkie needing to know all about him.
Anne definitely shows us the true darkness within this story especially the darkness that is living within these characters. You will be so invested in this story with the sadness, and heartache.
I don’t want to give anything anyway but you need to go into this book blind. Expect the unexpected with this book with twists and turns that will blind you.
But remember never trust anybody.
If your into a darker story with a strong kick ass heroine who will bow down to nobody. She is the Doyenne. Then this book is for you, one click this book as soon as its available. You won’t be disappointed.
June 1, 2019
Wow! Speechless. I have no idea how to even review this masterpiece.
This is Anne's best work to date.
Malcolm went all out with her words, dragged me into the world she'd created, and I'm still there. I don't want to leave Char and Jacob. This was an emotional, raw, gritty, suspenseful, at times painful, but utterly beautiful story.
This has left me with a book hangover that I'm not sure I'll come back from any time soon. Go in with your eyes closed, fall in love with Charlotte, because you can't not. She's beautifully broken in every way, and when Jacob steps into the picture, you'll fall all over again. He was the ultimate alpha male in his serious, dark demeanour, but he was everything!
Well done, Anne, this was the ULTIMATE page turner with violence, rage, emotion, steam, and pain. Everything you could ever want in a book packed in these pages.
This is Anne's best work to date.
Malcolm went all out with her words, dragged me into the world she'd created, and I'm still there. I don't want to leave Char and Jacob. This was an emotional, raw, gritty, suspenseful, at times painful, but utterly beautiful story.
This has left me with a book hangover that I'm not sure I'll come back from any time soon. Go in with your eyes closed, fall in love with Charlotte, because you can't not. She's beautifully broken in every way, and when Jacob steps into the picture, you'll fall all over again. He was the ultimate alpha male in his serious, dark demeanour, but he was everything!
Well done, Anne, this was the ULTIMATE page turner with violence, rage, emotion, steam, and pain. Everything you could ever want in a book packed in these pages.
June 26, 2019
*Beta read* and HOLY WOW! This book was raw beauty.
Nothing about this book is a typical romance. It’s gritty, dark and full of cold characters. Characters that learn love isn’t always warm, nor is it a choice we make. Charlotte was a hard character to like, let alone love. She was cold, ruthless business woman. Well respected, yes, but not well liked. She is emotionally detached and as this shrewd business woman soon finds out, she said no to the wrong person.
Jacob is a shell of the man he used to be. War tends to take pieces of your soul that you can never get back. He is in the right place at the right time and saves the girl. But soon figures out, she’s no damsel and this girl can save herself.
There is so much in this book that I loved. The suspense was phenomenal and the devastating loss just about broke me. I thought it was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. And though emotions are kept on lock down, there is this spark of chemistry that I was just waiting to combust in the bedroom. And it was well worth the wait!
These characters are far from perfect, but so perfect for each other. I love that every book I read by this author is better than the last. She is so expressive in her art, always making sure the visuals are magnificent and oh so real.
Don’t go looking for the typical happily ever after here. That’s one of the things I love about this book. She keeps it realistic. They may not have the typical HEA you're looking for, but it’s their HEA. The only one that’s right for them.
Hey book whores, if you want to follow me, you can find me here
Nothing about this book is a typical romance. It’s gritty, dark and full of cold characters. Characters that learn love isn’t always warm, nor is it a choice we make. Charlotte was a hard character to like, let alone love. She was cold, ruthless business woman. Well respected, yes, but not well liked. She is emotionally detached and as this shrewd business woman soon finds out, she said no to the wrong person.
Jacob is a shell of the man he used to be. War tends to take pieces of your soul that you can never get back. He is in the right place at the right time and saves the girl. But soon figures out, she’s no damsel and this girl can save herself.
There is so much in this book that I loved. The suspense was phenomenal and the devastating loss just about broke me. I thought it was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. And though emotions are kept on lock down, there is this spark of chemistry that I was just waiting to combust in the bedroom. And it was well worth the wait!
These characters are far from perfect, but so perfect for each other. I love that every book I read by this author is better than the last. She is so expressive in her art, always making sure the visuals are magnificent and oh so real.
Don’t go looking for the typical happily ever after here. That’s one of the things I love about this book. She keeps it realistic. They may not have the typical HEA you're looking for, but it’s their HEA. The only one that’s right for them.
Hey book whores, if you want to follow me, you can find me here
May 27, 2019
WOW...JUST WOW!!!!More than 5 Boots and Wolf Eyes stars!!!I thought Isla from Fatal Harmony was a crazy badass bitch...she's nothing in front of Charlotte....and then there's my damaged Jacob.Their relationship is not all hearts and flowers...they both so broken.More after the release..Just read it!!!
June 24, 2019
***5 Stars***
This book was an experience
That is honestly the only way I can sum up what this book put me through and yet it still doesn’t totally do this book justice.
I’m not sure there is a word that can. But saying that it is an ‘experience’ does, at least in my mind, give it the credit it is due because doyenne hooked me from the start and had me falling into adoration with the two of the most perfectly imperfect characters I have ever met and wishing i could spend a fuckton more time with them.
….
So I’m going to do something I don’t think I’ve done before. I’m gonna leave things right they *points up to the words above the four dots*
Why?
The experience. To say anymore would ruin the book. At least that’s what the reason should be, and is on a certain level.
The truth?
I honestly don’t have the words to describe just how wonky it left my heart and mind and I’m not even going to attempt to verbal vomit my way out of it…
This is a romance, of sorts, it is dark...in its own way. It’s mystery and suspense. But in the end it is a story of broken, battered, bruised and flawed characters that you simply can’t get enough of…
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
This book was an experience
That is honestly the only way I can sum up what this book put me through and yet it still doesn’t totally do this book justice.
I’m not sure there is a word that can. But saying that it is an ‘experience’ does, at least in my mind, give it the credit it is due because doyenne hooked me from the start and had me falling into adoration with the two of the most perfectly imperfect characters I have ever met and wishing i could spend a fuckton more time with them.
….
So I’m going to do something I don’t think I’ve done before. I’m gonna leave things right they *points up to the words above the four dots*
Why?
The experience. To say anymore would ruin the book. At least that’s what the reason should be, and is on a certain level.
The truth?
I honestly don’t have the words to describe just how wonky it left my heart and mind and I’m not even going to attempt to verbal vomit my way out of it…
This is a romance, of sorts, it is dark...in its own way. It’s mystery and suspense. But in the end it is a story of broken, battered, bruised and flawed characters that you simply can’t get enough of…
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 23, 2019
This was just an okay read for me, so I think I'm broken because so many seemed to love it and thought it dark. It started out great. Char was so intriguing. And Jacob, oh my gosh, did he have my attention. Dark, mysterious, broody, alpha-hole all the way. Somewhere along the way though, it just lost me. Jacob never developed more for me. I stopped caring so much about Char and what made her tick. And please, do not even get me started on editing and grammar issues. As I mentioned in one of my updates along the way - the story is good, the words are good, but sentence structure was just horrible, and kept taking me out of the story. I think a lot of people will enjoy this one. It just wasn't for me at this point in time.
May 26, 2019
Wow. What can I say but Wow. This is one dark story. I’m not normally a fan of stories this dark but Anne managed to Wow me.
Just Wow.
You want to read a dark story about a kick arse woman in a male-dominated world then this is for you.
Wow.
Just Wow.
You want to read a dark story about a kick arse woman in a male-dominated world then this is for you.
Wow.
June 25, 2019
Whew. This book is such an intense, slow-burn kind of read. It is both emotionless and emotional at the same time. I love the heroine! Charlotte is such a badass bitch. Strong heroines are my jam and Anne always does them well. And then there is Jacob... the strong, silent, and broken type. Gahhh. I just love the way they kinda/sorta complete each other.
If you’re looking for something different than the typical, feel-good romance, this is definitely a book for you. It’s gritty and wrong, and oh, so right.
If you’re looking for something different than the typical, feel-good romance, this is definitely a book for you. It’s gritty and wrong, and oh, so right.
October 12, 2019
This is one of these reviews I am not sure how to write to convey my thoughts on the book. There is a checklist I have that I make sure I look at as a reader as I am the furthest thing from a literary critic. The one question that sticks out in my mind is: "How did the book make you feel?"
To be honest: Perplexed
Here's the thing - I can handle violence, dark or taboo subjects, and suspense fantasy triggers. I can read and get immersed in all sorts of lyrical writing or metaphorical prose. Look at some of my 5 stars and see I can do just that. I picked up this book because some of my author friends at a signing said I needed to pick up this book because it would blow my mind. Sorry to report - didn't happen- the mind-blowing part. And maybe that's on me because I had it so built up in my mind.
There were just things that missed for me: I had no connection to characters. I couldn't adapt to the storytelling flow to keep me engaged to care enough about the characters. The positives were: I did finish it because I wanted to see where the story would end. It was an interesting plot and just different enough for me to see this story play out. Yet...
For me as a reader, I need more clarity and a less surreal atmosphere. I needed to connect with the characters on a human level. Well defined characters but nothing that spoke to my humanity. It was interesting and intriguing but not something that stayed with me.
This was clearly an "It's me not you" with this book. There are plenty of positives reviews that you should look at before passing it over. I am intrigued enough by this author's storytelling to try another.
Recommendation: Read the blurb and a few reviews to decide if it's for you.
To be honest: Perplexed
Here's the thing - I can handle violence, dark or taboo subjects, and suspense fantasy triggers. I can read and get immersed in all sorts of lyrical writing or metaphorical prose. Look at some of my 5 stars and see I can do just that. I picked up this book because some of my author friends at a signing said I needed to pick up this book because it would blow my mind. Sorry to report - didn't happen- the mind-blowing part. And maybe that's on me because I had it so built up in my mind.
There were just things that missed for me: I had no connection to characters. I couldn't adapt to the storytelling flow to keep me engaged to care enough about the characters. The positives were: I did finish it because I wanted to see where the story would end. It was an interesting plot and just different enough for me to see this story play out. Yet...
For me as a reader, I need more clarity and a less surreal atmosphere. I needed to connect with the characters on a human level. Well defined characters but nothing that spoke to my humanity. It was interesting and intriguing but not something that stayed with me.
This was clearly an "It's me not you" with this book. There are plenty of positives reviews that you should look at before passing it over. I am intrigued enough by this author's storytelling to try another.
Recommendation: Read the blurb and a few reviews to decide if it's for you.
July 6, 2019
This book was utter bullshit! I can't believe how it got so many good reviews. The whole time I wanted to DNF it, but I kept pulling through thinking everyone gave it such good reviews that there must be something good in it. But I was wrong.
I rarely give reviews, and if I do it's either because the book is too good or too bad. And obviously this one came in the latter category.
Firstly, The hero, Jacob he doesn't speak. He barely spoke more than a full paragraph put together with his one line sentences and one word answers throughout the book!
Secondly, the heroine, wow , she was just too cold and harsh.
Thirdly, I have no clue what genre this book was supposed to be. It's DEFINITELY not romance, and you know why? Because there was no fucking romance in it.
Fourthly, the plot, the storyline, I don't understand what was supposed to happen. I thought it might be a happily ever after and both Jacob and Charlotte will heal together after everything that happened. Or something along those lines. But none of that happened. After reading the epilogue , I was like, it's over, just like that? There was essentially no fucking storyline
Fifth, the writing, especially the heroine's POV, she was almost as bad as the hero in which she spoke very little but she thought 10 times more than she spoke out loud. It felt as if, this book happened in her imagination, like it wasn't real. It did not have an ounce of realism. As if the hero was just a figment of her imagination. As if she was the mentally ill person.
Suffice to say, I probably won't read any other books by this author. This was a new to me author and I'm disappointed that I disliked this book so much.
I rarely give reviews, and if I do it's either because the book is too good or too bad. And obviously this one came in the latter category.
Firstly, The hero, Jacob he doesn't speak. He barely spoke more than a full paragraph put together with his one line sentences and one word answers throughout the book!
Secondly, the heroine, wow , she was just too cold and harsh.
Thirdly, I have no clue what genre this book was supposed to be. It's DEFINITELY not romance, and you know why? Because there was no fucking romance in it.
Fourthly, the plot, the storyline, I don't understand what was supposed to happen. I thought it might be a happily ever after and both Jacob and Charlotte will heal together after everything that happened. Or something along those lines. But none of that happened. After reading the epilogue , I was like, it's over, just like that? There was essentially no fucking storyline
Fifth, the writing, especially the heroine's POV, she was almost as bad as the hero in which she spoke very little but she thought 10 times more than she spoke out loud. It felt as if, this book happened in her imagination, like it wasn't real. It did not have an ounce of realism. As if the hero was just a figment of her imagination. As if she was the mentally ill person.
Suffice to say, I probably won't read any other books by this author. This was a new to me author and I'm disappointed that I disliked this book so much.
dnf
July 11, 2019Fell asleep trying to read this.
The first thing she did when she meets hero seconds after she was close to being murdered was about him wearing old boots and that they were “last season” and he needed to get himself new ones. The lady was almost murdered and those were her thoughts. She also kept mentioning designer labels.
The first thing she did when she meets hero seconds after she was close to being murdered was about him wearing old boots and that they were “last season” and he needed to get himself new ones. The lady was almost murdered and those were her thoughts. She also kept mentioning designer labels.
July 27, 2019
4 🌟🌟🌟!! There is no doubt that Anne Malcom's writing is spectacular...a slow burn book with a strong heroine and an Alpha male...the twist was unbelievably good and totally unexpected!!
June 25, 2019
Wow! This one was tough, not in a bad way, but in the way that you keep expecting one of the characters to do something, feel something, and they just don't. I kept thinking that nobody could be this robotic like,yet still be human.
Charlotte is just that, human, but cold. She is a ruthless business woman, who always ends up on top. She runs 4 successful companies, but when she passes on another she finds herself in trouble, which brings a wolf to her. A wolf in the shape of a sexy man just as closed off and emotionless as she is. Jacob comes to her rescue twice, leading her to hiring him to protect her.
Both have pasts that dictate why they are the way they are. There is no typical happy ending for them, yet somehow that works. There are a couple of twists, in the end they change her in a way that there is no coming back from.
The author warned us it was dark, but even I wasn't ready for this one. It definitely kept my brain on it's toes. Definite 5 star read.
Charlotte is just that, human, but cold. She is a ruthless business woman, who always ends up on top. She runs 4 successful companies, but when she passes on another she finds herself in trouble, which brings a wolf to her. A wolf in the shape of a sexy man just as closed off and emotionless as she is. Jacob comes to her rescue twice, leading her to hiring him to protect her.
Both have pasts that dictate why they are the way they are. There is no typical happy ending for them, yet somehow that works. There are a couple of twists, in the end they change her in a way that there is no coming back from.
The author warned us it was dark, but even I wasn't ready for this one. It definitely kept my brain on it's toes. Definite 5 star read.
May 27, 2019
“And what is it you need?” the words came out as little more than a whisper. As somewhat of a plead, betraying my desire to know more of him, to find his loose threads and unravel them until he was in pieces in front of me, until I could dissect him like he was doing to me.
Doyenne, Anne Malcom’s latest masterpiece, breaks us down as she builds us into the world of Charlotte. Charlotte, who is a masterpiece character. One who we have never met the likes of before. One who cannot be described in simple terms, for Anne Malcom has brought us to our knees, attempting to find our place in the cracked journey of a woman of strength, of power, and of uncompromising intelligence. One who must be who she is.
Just like her author! To the moon, Anne!
Doyenne, Anne Malcom’s latest masterpiece, breaks us down as she builds us into the world of Charlotte. Charlotte, who is a masterpiece character. One who we have never met the likes of before. One who cannot be described in simple terms, for Anne Malcom has brought us to our knees, attempting to find our place in the cracked journey of a woman of strength, of power, and of uncompromising intelligence. One who must be who she is.
Just like her author! To the moon, Anne!
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