I picked this book up because I saw it being promoted in Instagram. Brother’s best friend, age-gap, standalone—I’m all here for it and I also liked the cover. This is my first book by Eleanor Aldrick. Since it says standalone, I thought jumping into book 4 without reading the first three should be fine.
The story starts with Ashley discovering her boyfriend of one year was cheating on her. She tried to call her brother, William, to get her picked up by their jet. I guess this is supposed to give me an idea that she is rich. The call was picked up by Titus (Hero/brother’s best friend) and instructed her to go to the hanger (yep, hanger instead of hangar).
Ashley got into the jet and saw Titus. He then proceeded to take her to the bedroom and used his belt to tie her wrist together. He went down on her and cautioned her that she can use their safe word ‘diamond’ if it gets too much for her. Ashley who was devastated from her breakup was devoured by Titus’s mouth, fingers, and dick. She then referred to him as her Dark Knight in shining armor.
All these happened between prologue and chapter 3. I had to scroll back to make sure I didn’t miss any chapter because I wonder who are these two people and why are they at it in the back of the airplane right away. What is going on?
Then in comes the second set of main characters in this story, Bella and William. I guess these two have their own book in the series, but why are they in this story too much? Were their story not concluded in their own book?
Here are my problems with this book:
- The lack of history between the characters. Aside from Titus being Ashley’s brother’s best friend, who are they? What is their backstory as individual characters?
- Lack of build up tension between the characters leading up to their intense attraction and feelings to each other. Deep description of feelings were used for their internal thoughts and dialogues, but I couldn’t connect to them because there isn’t anything that happened between them that warranted such intense feelings.
- The story has a very poor plot and character development. There’s an absence of good flow to the story. Insertion of Bella and William’s issues were highlighted taking away the focus off Ashley and Titus’ story. This is the point where I was lost and started thinking this is not a standalone. I do not understand half of what’s happening in this book—the issue about why Aiden was in coma. The problem with Heather (why do I care about William’s ex? Why was she even in this story?) Whose kids are the twins? Who are these people being mentioned and role they play in Titus and Ashley’s love story?
- A random discussion of safe word, vanilla sex, and usage of nipple clamps were throw in there without any indication that Titus was even into it. Again, this is where the lack of character development comes in.
- Min Skatt, min Skatt, min skatt, MIN SKATT —I have to google this up because I don’t know what it means and it was not explained how this came to be Titus’s term of endearment for Ashley. I just assumed he is blond, perhaps has Swedish heritage (I don’t know how he looks like aside from his eyes were indigo when he gets intense with his feelings.)
- I have to do a bit of algebra to figure out how old is Ashley. Find X to get Y. Apparently, Titus is same age as William. William is ten years older than Bella. Ashley is three years older than Bella. You still following me? Jump into chapter 17 (I think) then you will find out Ashely is 21 plus 10, that makes Titus 31. Therefore, age-gap. But you will not know this until later on in the book.
I would have enjoyed the story more if there was more development and focus to the love story of Titus and Ashley. It felt like they were overshadowed by the other characters of the series. Jamie McGuire’s Maddox Brothers is a series and each brother appeared in all the books however they got their own story with conflict, climax, and resolution to conclude the story nicely which makes it a standalone.
I give this 2 stars and that’s being generous. 1.5 because this needs editing. One, two, three errors, I wouldn’t mind or will not even mention it, but this is riddled with quite a few and needs another read through by an editor.
Overall, weak story of Titus and Ashley. Bella and William's story crossover and there's quite a number of people mentioned you wouldn't know who they are and why are they important if you don't read the rest of the series. Definitely not a standalone.
So, I like to be objective in my reviews of books. I realize the authors have put in a lot of time writing them before they arrive on my shelf for me to read. I take that into consideration. I know it's a grueling time consuming process. I picked this book because I liked the cover and the synopsis of what its as about. Age gap and Brothers best friend on top of that. Sign me up.
It was part of a series but presented as a stand alone. This was where my first issue began. I got lost multiple times during the book not having read the previous books. I have been a romance reader for over 2o years and have read plenty of series that each book cam be read as a standalone. This was not one of them. There were lot of secondary characters that were important to the story but I was lost as to why. I hadn't read the other books, so I had no frame of reference for what is going on. If a book is billed as a standalone, I should be able to read the whole thing from beginning to end and understand the story plot and characters without having touched any of the other books. I think that should be added to the synopsis so people will know going in because I was caught off guard by that.
Secondly, I had a hard time relating to the main characters because I felt like I didn't know them. We met the heroine after a break up and the next thing I know Titus has her tied up. There's a safe word. Where did that come from? First time together and he drops that on her. The characters knew each other and obviously had feelings for each other but I wasn't privy to that history so for me I had a hard time feeling invested in there relationship. I needed more history and details in this book for me to related.
The main character was off limits because she was the sister of one of the Men of Wrath. I was a bit confused about who or what they were since I had no previous knowledge from the other books. Maybe I would feel completely different had I read these other books, but it was billed as a standalone and that made reading it feel like I spent lots of time guessing, and inferring what might have happened in their past. They did security and by the end I realized who they all were and some of how it's related.
I feel a lot of time we talked about William and Bella, but I hadn't read their book so I was confused as to why we were focusing on them. I also would have enjoyed more information on the female characters friendship and their dynamics. I don't know, I just felt like I spent the whole time kind of lost stumbling from page to page. Sure there were grammar errors but I can overlook those when I'm invested in the story. Problem was....I wasn't.
Titus kept insinuating he was damaged and a monster and had all of this baggage and reasons he wasn't right for her besides being he brother's friend. I felt like there was lots of build up to how bad he was etc for it not to be what I thought it was. I felt the relationship progression went from purely physical to him, to them being in love to a HEA. I love a HEA but it was the journey there that fell short for me.
The nickname used for her was Min Skatt. I needed some context on why she had this nickname. How did she get it? It was used frequently but I wasn't sure why. Is Titus Swedish? I'm not sure. I was just left with lots of questions that never got answered.
I had some issues with the formatting as well. I read on the Kindle app on my phone. I keep the background black because it's easier on my eyes. The book was written in two different colored fonts so when I turned it black, the font turned a turquoise chapter halfway through chapter five and stayed that way throughout so I had to move the pages back to white. I'm not sure if this is an amazon issue or how it happened. There was also no space between paragraphs making the text feel crowded and more difficult to read.
I like to close the review with things I did like. I feel Eleanor does a good job with her marketing and covers. The aesthetic of her books are beautiful. I love the black and white and gold she uses which makes them visually beautiful. I don't want to diminish the fact that she wrote a whole series of books which is feat in itself, but I just had a hard time relating to it and feeling invested.
This is just my opinion and I know others have loved the book and I think that is awesome. We don't all like the same things, the same writing styles and the same type of stories. Everyone's stories I read won't be a good fit for me as a reader and I am okay with that. We like what we like, but I felt like this book needs better warnings regarding content and that it can be read as a standalone. I wish her all the best in her future stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is Book Four in the Men of WRATH series and just like in her previous books, Eleanor did not disappoint with this one. Let me just say, before I review this book is how gorgeous this book cover is, and don’t get me started on the chapter graphics... simply stunning!!!
Please note, the timeline for this book runs parallel to that of Book 2, Acts of Atonement, so my recommendation is that you read the previous books before you read this one. They are all amazing!
I absolutely love this book! It’s full of non stop action and suspense and our leading male character, Titus, is the ultimate dark alpha male hero and every woman’s wet dream. Our heroine is Ashley, William’s younger sister, who has returned home from Dallas after literary catching her asshat of a lawyer boyfriend, Brad, cheating on her with his secretary. Not having seen each other for three years, let’s just say their first meeting ended with fireworks!💥 She is absolutely perfect for him, the only problem is that she’s off limits!
I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn’t get enough of these two characters! The storyline is good, the characters are great and the sex scenes are sizzling HOT!! 🔥🔥🔥
Looking forward to the next book in the series! Bring on Hudson’s story!
Ashley may have gotten the surprise of her life in the beginning but when you get to taste forbidden and he happens to harbor a few dark secrets, could she really walk away.
Titus works with her brother, knows her forever and was told to stay away. But he can only take so much and a crying woman of which he has some serious feelings for will not help his case.
Great story where sexy meets forbidden. Dark finds love and drops secrets that could change the game. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Acts of Grace was a good book. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and am a fan. It can be read as a standalone however I was a little lost on the history in the story. But it wasn’t anything major. Titus is part of WRATH, and is sent to pick up his partner’s little sister Ashley after she breaks up with her boyfriend. Ashley has always had an attraction to Titus but he has only recently noticed her. But would never do anything because she is his best friends little sister. Until he sleeps with her to help her forget her pain. Then he’s torn between keeping her close and pushing her away.
This was my first book by Eleanor Aldrick, I haven't read the other books in this same series, so I didn't know what to expect… but let me tell you I wasn't disappointed on the contrary what a HOT discovery.
The attraction between Ashley and Titus… is simply explosive. The two characters can't be in a room together without making the atmosphere overloaded with sexual tension.
Ashley is a strong, independent woman. I love his courage and determination. What a beautiful, well-developed character.
Titus is … OMG the dream boy off all the girls ! He's always there for Ashley when she needs him most.
Everything is perfect, the characters, the plot, the love story …. and the love scenes. That was HOT AF, nobody will read this with a dry pantie.
I will definitely go read the other books in this series.
Age gap and brothers best friend all rolled into one!
This is advertised as a stand alone but I would say reading the previous books is a good idea as then you know and understand the dynamics of all of the side characters.
I read this story super quick! It was fast paced with the romance between Ashley and Titus. These 2 may possibly be my favorite couple in the series so far. I mean, I think they have the hottest sex by far. If you like it a bit kinky then he's your daddy.
I thought Acts of Atonement was my favorite by Eleanor Aldrick... then she had to go an throw in a little daddy kink and I now have a new fave in the Men of WRATH series! I think the hardest thing about writing a series is keeping everything straight and writing a story that runs seamlessly between books. Ms. Aldrick has managed to do that. I look forward to more from her!
Meh. It felt like a CW soap opera with some drama thrown in. I wasn't a fan of the back and forth between Ashley and Titus. It was hard to believe these were grown ass adults.
But I did enjoy the friendship amongst the girls.
I felt like there were a lot of details left out and it was confusing to follow. So definitely read the previous books before reading this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book will have you hooked in the first few pages. It has all the feels steamy, tears, excitement and suspense. Titus is the Ultimate alpha and Ashley loves pushing his buttons. I Loved every minute of this book couldn’t put it down.
I just finished ACTS OF GRACE by @eleanoraldrick and omg. You guys. This book has twists, turns, collars and belts. Yessss you read that right. Eleanor is cuffing our hearts and ballgagging us with this masterpiece. She is going to blow you guys away with book four of her Men Of WRATH series. Highly recommend fresh panties while reading. Honestly, that should have been in the beginning, under the warning label 🤣🤣 The story follows a different couple from the previous books. Titus and Ashley. Their story will make you cry and shout. It’ll have you fanning your face in a lot of places and have you swoon in plenty others. BUT.. you need to read the first three books before starting on this one. It’ll make more sense as all the twists and turns come into play. I wish I could give this book waaaay more stars than just five. It deserves it. Highly recommend this book!
Ashley and Titus were everything I hoped for! This book had the drama, action, hotness and emotions. I loved that even though it had some of the hottest scenes the love that they had was palpable while reading. It wasn't just lust.
This is the fourth book in the series and it just seems like i was reading almost the same book for the 4th time. 70% of the book occurs at the same time as the first two books and it is just the same story from another point of view. Even the same conversations occur. Just felt very repetitive and I almost did not finish it. I want to read the last story since it seems it happens later so hopefully the sorry will have less overlap. Only thing to note is that all these men like barely and i mean barely legal age women. Not sure how i feel about it. Just another thing that adds to the repetitive storyline.
4.5 ⭐️ Hands down my favourite book of the series! The love I have for Titus & Ashley is unmatched 🖤
Honestly really enjoyed the fact that the book started off with a bang 😏 They had such great chemistry, usually if a couple is too hot and cold and just keep going back and forth I get a little frustrated, but I enjoyed every second of this book! Their tension was sizzling 🥵
Titus, despite not dealing well with emotions, did everything in his power to care for and comfort Ashley during some of her darkest days. He protected his “little treasure” always and I loved that even in the beginning when he couldn’t quite handle being in a relationship, he always claimed Ashley as his and gave himself whole heartedly to her in return 🥹
Ashley is right up there with Bella as one of my favourite characters. She’s such an incredible sister and friend! The way she supported Bella through her struggles with William and seeing them form their little girl gang was all so incredibly sweet 🤍 She was such a great Aunty as well to Harper and the twins 🥰
For a couple of chapters there I was livid with William! I could not believe the way he acted after how supportive Ashley had been when the shoe was on the other foot! I get he’s her big brother and he wanted to protect her but damn man you did Titus so dirty! You’re lucky he forgave you William or we would have had a problem 😠 I loved him so much in the previous books I was so heartbroken thinking he’d betrayed me but all’s good now thank god 😮💨
Can’t believe there’s just one more book left in the series. Veeeery interested to see how Hudson & Alyssa’s story unfolds! I wonder if they’ll be joining Ren, Titus, Ashley & Bella as my faves 🤔🤍
****This may have triggers: talks about kidnapping, murder...****
Late at night, Ashley once again places a late-night call, to her big brother, William. One of the owners of, Wrath Security. She can hardly talk, she is crying, so much. But, when her brother's phone, is answered it's not him, it's Titus. He is her teenage, crush and her big brother’s, best friend.
What she asks for, is the company jet, to pick her up. Titus said, to be at the airstrip by a certain time, and she will be, coming home. When the plane got there, and she boarded, she runs on board, into the arms of, Titus, and started to sob. But, no worries, Titus kisses her aches away. Only it's a little more, than vanilla as she’s, used to. Which she is, down for.
Her infatuation for, Titus has only grown over the years. She became the official, little sister of, Wrath. But, on the night of her parent's murders, it was, Titus her brother called on, to get to his sister, and care for her until he could, get there. And from then on he was her go-to guy. William deferred to him, as well as, Ashley.
It is when Aiden almost dies, that the team has to pull in, even more. So, everyone living in everyone's pockets causes tense, times and makes for, tense personalities. Everyone including, Titus believes he is void of feelings.
But, if you were to ask, Ashley she would say, the opposite. Ashley craved for their relationship, to be out in the open. Titus believed that William wouldn’t be able, to handle it. Plus, William would think he is a monster.
I love Titus' story the most so far. I didn't like the way William handled the news when Ashley told him about her and Titus. You could just feel what a troubled soul he is and see how much he grows with Ashley’s love.
Good thing I know what I bring to the table, and honey, my cup runneth over.
When I say this Queen brought it. I mean it.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is her 4th book but it felt like her 40th.
Eleanor's writing style flows so beautifully. It's hu so easy to just get lost in the pages, they're so addictive. When I found myself on the last page I kept going back checking for more, I didn't want it to end.
I needed more Titus and Ashley in my life. I may or may not have gone I back and re-read it. There is only a few books that make me do such a thing.
Honestly, I can't get enough of Titus & Ashley. Acts of Redemption had left me reeling, the family were still recovering and we didn't have all the answers. I couldn't wait to get back into the Men of Wrath, especially when I was promised belts...
Lets just say... The Twists, had me on the edge of seat. The Sass, my Gods, Ashley brought the sass. HARD and with chicken noodle soup on the side 😜 The Sex... Well... *cough* Titus is something I need... I'll let you discover that for yourselves...
Acts of Grace, devels deeper and uncovers more of the mystery we learn in Acts of Atonement with William and Belle. I. Was. Living. For. It. When the girls unite, I was chanting Queens of Wrath... I am definitely one of them probably a Cassie. As much as Titus is Fire, I think Ren is my man. I'm a sucker for fierce woman.
I'm already demanding the next book even though this hasn't even technically dropped yet.
This is an Arc Review, my opinions are my own and honest.
I liked the way the author introduced Ashley as she trusted her gut feelings that her fiancé had lied to her. Fast paced, no long narratives in setting up the initial reveal of Brad’s deception, just straight up catching him in the act and ending their relationship immediately. Her over protective but beloved older brother William was always there, but his best friend Titus was where Ashley’s heart found solace. Lots of backstory and history with Titus and his connection to the WRATH brotherhood, bonding him with William and making Ashley forbidden. I love when the MC is alpha male, jealous, and protective. Titus was all that and more when it came to Ashley. Their connection was intense and full of chemistry with Ashley being tough, smart, and vulnerable to her feelings for Titus. Interesting way her ex played into the storyline as well as the main couple and their parent’s with secrets of their own. The only thing that frustrated me was the length of time it took Titus to openly admit his relationship with Ashley. Kudos to the author for pulling it all together with an exciting climax and HEA for this battered but worthy couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Ashley learns that the man she gave her heart to was being unfaithful, she tried to turn to the one person she can always count on, her brother William. But it didn't quite work out that way, his best friend Titus was actually the one that came to her rescue this time. She has always had a little thing for Titus, but until now he hasn't seemed to notice her existence.
But a broken heart and wanting to make her forget her cheating ex stirred up something in him that helped him finally open his eyes. She maybe his best friend's forbidden little sister, but she could very well be the only woman to every awaken his heart!
Acts of Grace is a forbidden romance that delights on every level! It's pages come brimming with all the feels and steam you can handle... these two are the perfect match and the moment they come together it's nothing but steamy white hot fireworks! My eyes stayed glued to the pages from the first page to the last, once I met these two I just had to see how it would all end... and it was quite the ending!! If you like steamy forbidden romances then I highly suggest you check this one out, it's pages are bound to satisfy!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
This is the second book that I've read in this series. I wasn't a fan of the first but I didn't want to judge an author by one book. Titus caught my attention in Acts of Salvation and I wanted to know more. While Acts of Grace shares a lot of similar issues the previous book had, I enjoyed it more. I'm not a fan of the dual first person POV, so that wasn't enjoyable for me. The massive age gap is the trope. Forbidden love is a repeated theme. The constant breaking of guy code yet it being acceptable still has me confused. The large amount of characters and obvious overlapping storyline with mirroring aspects of previous books was challenging since I haven't read them all. Maybe read them in order?? My biggest issue came with the piece that I wanted to read this for. Titus has a dark side. I was so excited to read about it, and the author did an alright job with it, though again there were missed opportunities. There were a couple glowing errors that those involved in the life will catch, but vanilla readers will probably swoon over. Overall, this book was better. If you like age gap, alpha males, with a repeated formula feel to a series, you'll love this.
Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! Oh, the heat is HOT, and the physical chemistry is captivating so be careful you may just get burned all the heat coming off these pages. There were some "oh no" "oh wow" " what the what" moments and add in uncanny mishaps, and shenanigans the good kind that makes you keep turning the pages till last page has been turned. From the moment the two of them laid eyes on each other it was explosive. Ashley and Titus can’t be in the same room together without the sexual tension overtaking them both. Ashley is beautiful, strong, independent, and full of life. Titus well he is sexy as all get out apart of Wrath and is asked by her brother to pick up his little sister after a breakup. Titus wants her but out of respect for her brother his best friend that is until he sleeps with her to help her forget about her pain and then he is hooked. He wants her, needs her, wants to protect her, wants to keep her close and wants to push her away so where will it all lead?
Acts of Grace by Eleanor Aldrick is book 4 in the Men of WRATH series. This is an amazing series where each book is a standalone but the books all interconnect and intertwine storylines between alpha-male best friends and their journey's to find love.
This romance story follows the journey and relationship between Ashley and Titus. This is a Brother's Best Friend and Age-Gap romance. This story also has no cliffhanger with a guaranteed HEA. What happens when your 'sick' boyfriend tells you he needs to stay in? You go over to help him... right? But what happened when you find him in bed with someone else and the only person to turn to is your brothers hot best friend who you've had a crush on forever? Alone in an airplane... Find out in this amazingly written book!
I highly recommend giving this book a read as you won't regret it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Acts of Grace was a great read, with a good dose of smut, steam, and also suspense. I loved Titus but I wanted to slap him more than once for being so blind when it came to Ashley. Their relationship was hot from the start and I love this part the most. I mentioned it before when reviewing other books in the series, but it’s worth mentioning again. I love how timeline on all book matches, how instead of them progressing one after another, they all happen during the same time period. It helps to build the bond with characters of each story better, creating a great full picture with all the bits and pieces fitting in together. 5/5⭐️ Definitely must read for all age gap romance lovers 🖤🔥
Loved the tension, the suspense, and the alpha male-strong woman combo. This book was a touch spicier than the others in the series, and I was here 👏 for 👏 it 👏!
I’m so in love with Titus, oh my God.
Steamy doesn’t even begin to describe Ashley and Titus together. Liquid hot magma comes close. This book was surface-of-the-sun kind of hot. Their chemistry sizzled from their first moment together to the very end.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Ashley and Titus could make steam roll from the pages. These two started out pretty much how they would go on. Though their level of passion might be intense, they feel a lot of emotions for each other. There is drama, denial, family, secrets, steam and love. I guess it can be read standalone, but I think overall, reading all of the stories makes it better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who's, who? Ashley, female character, Williams sister, Brad's fiance and Titus's weakness. William is Ashley's brother, Titus's bestfriend. Titus is Williams bestfriend and Ashley's comfort zone. Plot: Brad has been caught cheating. Ashley dumps him right away. Seeks Reprieve from William only to find such with Titus. But the story is not that in a nut shell. We will have family secrets Secret relationships A lot of drama Some action Forgiveness and Redemption
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book four in the WRATH series is as wonderful as the three before it. The twists in the story line are a huge surprise, leaving me on the edge of my seat much of the time. Titus and Ashley are intense and explosive together. He's all alpha all the time. Except when he pulls back, afraid of what William will do to him if he and Ashley are caught together. But she really needs him, he's right there for her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashley’s had it with her cheating ex as she flees back home to Texas & seeing her brother’s best friend, Titus, again brings back all the forbidden passion. Titus knows she’s off limits but he can’t stay away and with the danger around her mounting, Titus is sticking close. But when her brother finds out the secrets they’ve been keeping, will it tear her family and their relationship apart or will Titus fight for the woman who has stolen his heart?
I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.