My first full 5 star rating for a Caroline Lee book. I just adored this one! (and bonus, it did not seem to have the problems that have plagued the others to keep them from rating higher) Double bonus, it is super steamy and incredibly hot right from the start!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Lee is very good at creating wonderful connection and chemistry between her characters and the chemistry is off the charts in this one. She also has a nice touch with role reversal. Jade is definitely a strong,smart, confident, and capable young woman who knows what she wants and does what she needs to get it. I liked how Cam was all swagger and charm and seeming confidence, but also hid some vulnerability. I love when characters "see" the real person behind the obvious and love them even more for it.
Lastly, huzzah for a diverse character! I loved Jade's story and heritage and the fact that she didn't try to hide it at all. She really was a wonderful character.
I have read the previous two connected series prior to this. I will say that, even being someone who likes to always read series/worlds in order, that it is not necessary in this case, and in fact I would recommend just starting here. While there are good things/books in both of the other series, and there are characters who are introduced there, this series is better than both. I originally was interested in Keith's story and I feel like that is also the first one I really loved once I finally got back to it. Also, if you are a lover of steam, the others are quite low (even the Scott and Farmer ones, which was surprising) whereas there are quite a few super hot scenes in these.
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Tropes: Male Courtesan, Arranged Marriage (ish), Forced Proximity, Heroine Runs Business/ Smart Take Charge Heroine, Secrets, Lessons in Pleasure, Heroine wants rid of virginity, One Bed, Fighting His Own Best Interest, Rake, Hidden Depths Hero.
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Content Warning: brief kidnap by mild villain