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Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy
The Monster and the Doll
Heartless. Soulless. Relentless. Lucian Morelli is the heir to a powerful and corrupt business empire.
There's only one problem: his reputation.
His father convinces the board of Morelli Holdings that he needs a wife.
Elaine Constantine is the party girl. The wild child. The eldest daughter in the Constantine family.
And the sworn enemy of the Morellis.
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Bishop's Landing, where we lay our scene.
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
THE MONSTER AND THE DOLL is a collection of three full-length novels by bestselling author Jade West, including Heartless, Soulless, and Relentless.
CONTENT WARNING: This book is intended for readers ages eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers might find disturbing. Enter at your own risk...
There's only one problem: his reputation.
His father convinces the board of Morelli Holdings that he needs a wife.
Elaine Constantine is the party girl. The wild child. The eldest daughter in the Constantine family.
And the sworn enemy of the Morellis.
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Bishop's Landing, where we lay our scene.
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
THE MONSTER AND THE DOLL is a collection of three full-length novels by bestselling author Jade West, including Heartless, Soulless, and Relentless.
CONTENT WARNING: This book is intended for readers ages eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers might find disturbing. Enter at your own risk...
742 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2022
241 people are currently reading
1682 people want to read
About the author
Jade West
56 books8,784 followersJade has increasingly little to say about herself as time goes on, other than the fact she is an author, but she’s plenty happy with this. Living in imaginary realities and having a legitimate excuse for it is really all she’s ever wanted.
Jade is as dirty as you’d expect from her novels, and talking smut makes her smile.
She lives in the Herefordshire countryside with a couple of hounds and a guy who’s able to cope with her inherent weirdness.
She has a red living room, decorated with far more zebra print than most people could bear, and fights a constant battle with her addiction to Coca-Cola.
Find Jade (or stalk her – she loves it) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. She has a Facebook reader group for dirty readers, so drop on in and say hello.
http://www.jadewestauthor.co.uk
Sign up to her newsletter via the website, she won’t spam you and you may win some goodies. :)
Jade is as dirty as you’d expect from her novels, and talking smut makes her smile.
She lives in the Herefordshire countryside with a couple of hounds and a guy who’s able to cope with her inherent weirdness.
She has a red living room, decorated with far more zebra print than most people could bear, and fights a constant battle with her addiction to Coca-Cola.
Find Jade (or stalk her – she loves it) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. She has a Facebook reader group for dirty readers, so drop on in and say hello.
http://www.jadewestauthor.co.uk
Sign up to her newsletter via the website, she won’t spam you and you may win some goodies. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 16, 2022
4.5 Stars*
Ahaha, look at me adding this as read as a lazy way to read another book for the 2022 Reading Challenge. Anyway, I read this trilogy as a trilogy, not as the figurative box set this book is. Book 1 was my favorite. See my individual reviews for each book.
I love the cover of this book & the title is kind of sexy. The story is a modern version of Romeo & Juliet.
Ahaha, look at me adding this as read as a lazy way to read another book for the 2022 Reading Challenge. Anyway, I read this trilogy as a trilogy, not as the figurative box set this book is. Book 1 was my favorite. See my individual reviews for each book.
I love the cover of this book & the title is kind of sexy. The story is a modern version of Romeo & Juliet.
May 24, 2022
Lucian and Elaine’s story is phenomenal and wrought with so many secrets and lies, it is an insanely gripping story that I could not put down.
The Morelli's and the Constantine’s are dueling families that the next generation of children are blurring the lines of love and hate.
Jade West has given us a sordid and exciting glimpse into the characters of Bishop’s Landing focusing on these 2 star struck lovers.
Soulless continues with Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine still dancing around their relationship and what being together means to each other. They share their personal secrets, and this opens up a soothing and calming dialogue of their pasts and how their history created who they are today. Relief is Elaine's companion as she finds someone who believes her tale of her wicked upbringing.
Living at Lucian's home in Bishop's Landing, this couple finds their pace and routine, but the powers that be, the Morelli's and Constantine's, will eventually pop their bubble of bliss and happiness. But what happens then? I am running to read Relentless to find out.
Jade West has given these characters depth and created a story that is beautiful in it's ugliness and left me needing more and more.
Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine's finale was sensational and so beautifully written. I loved this couple's chemistry, their encompassing attraction that goes against their families tradition and deep rooted angst to each other.
Spectacular 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Morelli's and the Constantine’s are dueling families that the next generation of children are blurring the lines of love and hate.
Jade West has given us a sordid and exciting glimpse into the characters of Bishop’s Landing focusing on these 2 star struck lovers.
Soulless continues with Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine still dancing around their relationship and what being together means to each other. They share their personal secrets, and this opens up a soothing and calming dialogue of their pasts and how their history created who they are today. Relief is Elaine's companion as she finds someone who believes her tale of her wicked upbringing.
Living at Lucian's home in Bishop's Landing, this couple finds their pace and routine, but the powers that be, the Morelli's and Constantine's, will eventually pop their bubble of bliss and happiness. But what happens then? I am running to read Relentless to find out.
Jade West has given these characters depth and created a story that is beautiful in it's ugliness and left me needing more and more.
Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine's finale was sensational and so beautifully written. I loved this couple's chemistry, their encompassing attraction that goes against their families tradition and deep rooted angst to each other.
Spectacular 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 13, 2022
This was a fun Romeo and Juliet retelling, but it sincerely pissed me off until about the 60% mark. Lucien Morelli is poised to take over his father’s company. He’s got the loyalty and he’s ready to stage the coup. Only his father is one step ahead of him. His image has been tarnished, so if he wants to be taken seriously by the board, he has to marry. He goes on the search for a reputable bride and runs into Elena Constantine, the family being worst enemies with his. They’re doomed from the start, but that doesn’t stop Lucien from stalking Elena time and time again, and saving her twice…right before kidnapping her.
Elena has been abused and discarded all of her life. Whether is was by her sadistic uncle and his crony of high rolling pedophiles, or by her mother whose opinion of Elena couldn’t possibly get any lower. And now by Lucien, who claims to hate her, and treats her as such. The only difference is that now she’s not in danger from her debts, or herself. She’s been self medicating her whole life, earning the innocent girl her party girl reputation and the ire of almost everyone around her. And then shit really hits the fan when both families realize that they’re together…and TOGETHER.
I had lots of issues with this. Mainly the fact that Lucien still “hated” Elena up to the 55% mark…but then emphatically switches to love, DEEP love, at the 60% point. It felt like I was reading two different books and really took me out of the story. However, the ending completely made up for the way he treated her to begin with. It was just so disjointed that I had a hard time moving past that. Still, these two work as a couple!
Elena has been abused and discarded all of her life. Whether is was by her sadistic uncle and his crony of high rolling pedophiles, or by her mother whose opinion of Elena couldn’t possibly get any lower. And now by Lucien, who claims to hate her, and treats her as such. The only difference is that now she’s not in danger from her debts, or herself. She’s been self medicating her whole life, earning the innocent girl her party girl reputation and the ire of almost everyone around her. And then shit really hits the fan when both families realize that they’re together…and TOGETHER.
I had lots of issues with this. Mainly the fact that Lucien still “hated” Elena up to the 55% mark…but then emphatically switches to love, DEEP love, at the 60% point. It felt like I was reading two different books and really took me out of the story. However, the ending completely made up for the way he treated her to begin with. It was just so disjointed that I had a hard time moving past that. Still, these two work as a couple!
March 25, 2022
4.5 STARS
‘I wanted to climb Elaine Constantine and tear her apart on the descent. I wanted to own her. Hurt her. Destroy her.’
We love Jade West, she’s our indulgent pleasure for sure, so we couldn’t wait to pick up the Starcrossed Lovers trilogy. When The Monster and the Doll boxset landed on our kindles we dived straight in and what a journey it was! The rollercoaster ride begins in Heartless, then gathers pace in Soulless and dramatically flies off the edge in Relentless. Heed the trigger warnings if you’re new to Jade West, if you’re not new to this Author, you know exactly what you’ll be getting and that’s intensity, darkness, filthy erotic passion, and situations that’ll make your jaw drop. We bloody loved it and we got exactly what we were hoping to get in Lucian and Elaine’s explosive love story.
‘Shared secrets, and rage, and hate, and this weird new sense of casual somehow. It was fucked up, just like we were. We were two peas of fucked-up in a very fucked-up pod.’
Jade West sure has a way with boundaries. You willingly take her hand as she guides you to your own personal boundary, lets you peek over the edge at what’s to come before her words literally catapult you over to the other side. The element of surprise at how far this Author is willing to take you is exhilarating and addictive, well it is if you’re as much of a fan of her books, as we are. We bloody love it!
‘She was a mass of confusion and rage. Rage and want. Rage and fascination. Rage and being so fucking butchered by her own pain that she was a pool of risk, waiting for anyone around her to step up and take what they wanted from her.’
‘I couldn’t deny it…I wanted the monster to love me enough to keep me safe…It was true…Oh my God it was true…I wanted the monster to love me.’
We never questioned the connection between Lucian and Elaine, their chemistry was explosive, and our kindles were in danger of melting from their passion. Their romance wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t sugar and sweet. It was the exact opposite. Ugly, raw, and darkened by tragedy and horror.
‘I resented her for making me choose her. For being so beautiful, so broken, so strong that I had to take her for myself. I resented her, even though it hadn’t been her choice.’
Our initial interpretation of Elaine Constantine was that of a puppy left out to starve in the freezing cold, chained to a fence with barbed wire. A puppy that no matter how much it’s downtrodden, still has the capacity to live, to love, and to show bravery and rage when needed. On the other side of the coin, you have Lucian Morelli who inhibits that enticing disturbing darkness that you want to run a mile from, but instead can’t help wanting to embrace, love, and devour! Because you just know underneath all that hides a seed of vulnerability and capacity to love. One of them feels too much, the other feels nothing at all.
‘Lucian Morelli wasn’t scared of anything. The man was the devil, reigning over hell.’
Lucian and Elaine’s love story is Jade West’s dark and messed-up version of Romeo and Juliet. Two rival families intent on complete destruction and annihilation for reasons unknown. This story is fraught with intense drama, the extremity of emotions, brutal retributions, aggressive passion, and is the epitome of dark and disturbing. Once again, heed the trigger warnings, but if you love dark and twisted erotic romance, go forth and ENJOY! We sure did! An unputdownable trilogy from the wonderful Jade west!
“I mean it,” he whispered. “I’ll kill them all, baby, one by one. They’ll all rue the day they ever looked at you that way, let alone touched you. That’s a promise.”
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June 29, 2024
3.7 stars. This is a trilogy in 1 volume. It hits the spot if you want a read where the hero shows his love by killing the heroine’s enemies - which I always like! You may also like it if you're in the mood for a billionaire hero who's into BDSM, a damaged heroine, and a story that's kind of "enemies to lovers" but kind of not.
Lucian and Elaine are both from billionaire NYC families that have been enemies for generations. So, they're “enemies” in the sense that they were raised to hate each other’s families, but they never had a personal problem with each other. After they meet, it’s almost an insta-love vibe – or insta-obsession, but there’s still a lot of push-pull. (Even when Elaine is like, “Maybe I love him??!” when he stalks her, she’s still like “Go away!”) So, although I hate insta-love, it kind of works, here. Insta-love makes a story boring, and this didn't bore me, there was still tension and intrigue and push-pull.
This is one of those stories where it makes you wonder how the HEA will ever be possible, which I like. I normally don't like a socialite heroine – Elaine doesn’t have a job, she’s just a rich girl. But this book did a good job of diving into her psychology and showing how she’s so broken. I like the type of heroine who is so beaten down and unloved that she’s surprised by the hero loving her and doing things for her -- which in turn makes HIM more determined to show her love. This book hits the spot for that dynamic. I also like a heroine where everyone thinks her life should be great, and they judge her for being a mess, because they don't know the hardships she's suffered. This hits the spot for that, too.
Lucian was nothing special as a hero, but I liked him, too. He was an alpha type who is rich, commanding, and so unfeeling that he’s borderline sociopathic, until he ends up melting for his heroine (he did fall for her a little too whiplash fast, but it kind of worked).
This can be read as a standalone, but it's set in the "Midnight Dynasty" world (a shared universe that different authors write in - like, Lucian and Elaine's siblings have their own books, written by different authors). I assume authors are given guidelines when they write their own books in it. So, it was interesting to see a Jade West story where she was clearly following those guidelines. It's well-written, but it felt different from her usual stuff, a little more “mainstream” dark romance.
She doesn’t usually write billionaire CEO heroes. I liked Lucian, but he also felt a tad more “generic dark romance hero” than her heroes usually do. His relationship with Elaine did have depth and feel developed, but slightly less so than some of her other stories. She doesn’t usually set her books in the US (but, there's a sequence where they travel to England, and clearly she felt more comfortable writing that – we even get a cameo from the Dirty Bad Wrong characters).
This wasn’t as filthy or high-heat as I expected – which isn’t to say it wasn’t, it was! There's some hardcore stuff in this book. But it does feel slightly "toned down" from how the steam is written in her other books. And, it comes across like she was told to write “enemies to lovers,” even though her books usually have relationships that are more complex, and can't really be boiled down to "tropes." So, it felt like this book kept forgetting that it was supposed to be “enemies to lovers” and then suddenly remembering. Like for example, Lucian kind of kidnaps Elaine – but, she goes with him willingly, so, not really. But every so often, the story tried to remind us that she's his captive, even though the situation was more nuanced than that. And, from time to time, when it briefly tried to pretend they hated each other, that was never supported by the text, so I was like "No, they don't!"
I wish the ending wasn’t so rushed. We went from their families hating them together to being fine with it, with nothing in between. I needed more resolution with their families. I would have liked to see Elaine’s first meeting with Lucian’s brothers or parents, and how that went. And I would have liked to see Elaine’s siblings react to learning about the hardships in her life. It felt like the ending glossed over a lot of interesting stuff, and wrapped up too fast.
But, this was an enjoyable read overall. And, this was an interesting exercise in seeing Jade West follow guidelines to write something more “mainstream.”
Lucian and Elaine are both from billionaire NYC families that have been enemies for generations. So, they're “enemies” in the sense that they were raised to hate each other’s families, but they never had a personal problem with each other. After they meet, it’s almost an insta-love vibe – or insta-obsession, but there’s still a lot of push-pull. (Even when Elaine is like, “Maybe I love him??!” when he stalks her, she’s still like “Go away!”) So, although I hate insta-love, it kind of works, here. Insta-love makes a story boring, and this didn't bore me, there was still tension and intrigue and push-pull.
This is one of those stories where it makes you wonder how the HEA will ever be possible, which I like. I normally don't like a socialite heroine – Elaine doesn’t have a job, she’s just a rich girl. But this book did a good job of diving into her psychology and showing how she’s so broken. I like the type of heroine who is so beaten down and unloved that she’s surprised by the hero loving her and doing things for her -- which in turn makes HIM more determined to show her love. This book hits the spot for that dynamic. I also like a heroine where everyone thinks her life should be great, and they judge her for being a mess, because they don't know the hardships she's suffered. This hits the spot for that, too.
Lucian was nothing special as a hero, but I liked him, too. He was an alpha type who is rich, commanding, and so unfeeling that he’s borderline sociopathic, until he ends up melting for his heroine (he did fall for her a little too whiplash fast, but it kind of worked).
This can be read as a standalone, but it's set in the "Midnight Dynasty" world (a shared universe that different authors write in - like, Lucian and Elaine's siblings have their own books, written by different authors). I assume authors are given guidelines when they write their own books in it. So, it was interesting to see a Jade West story where she was clearly following those guidelines. It's well-written, but it felt different from her usual stuff, a little more “mainstream” dark romance.
She doesn’t usually write billionaire CEO heroes. I liked Lucian, but he also felt a tad more “generic dark romance hero” than her heroes usually do. His relationship with Elaine did have depth and feel developed, but slightly less so than some of her other stories. She doesn’t usually set her books in the US (but, there's a sequence where they travel to England, and clearly she felt more comfortable writing that – we even get a cameo from the Dirty Bad Wrong characters).
This wasn’t as filthy or high-heat as I expected – which isn’t to say it wasn’t, it was! There's some hardcore stuff in this book. But it does feel slightly "toned down" from how the steam is written in her other books. And, it comes across like she was told to write “enemies to lovers,” even though her books usually have relationships that are more complex, and can't really be boiled down to "tropes." So, it felt like this book kept forgetting that it was supposed to be “enemies to lovers” and then suddenly remembering. Like for example, Lucian kind of kidnaps Elaine – but, she goes with him willingly, so, not really. But every so often, the story tried to remind us that she's his captive, even though the situation was more nuanced than that. And, from time to time, when it briefly tried to pretend they hated each other, that was never supported by the text, so I was like "No, they don't!"
I wish the ending wasn’t so rushed. We went from their families hating them together to being fine with it, with nothing in between. I needed more resolution with their families. I would have liked to see Elaine’s first meeting with Lucian’s brothers or parents, and how that went. And I would have liked to see Elaine’s siblings react to learning about the hardships in her life. It felt like the ending glossed over a lot of interesting stuff, and wrapped up too fast.
But, this was an enjoyable read overall. And, this was an interesting exercise in seeing Jade West follow guidelines to write something more “mainstream.”
April 3, 2022
Enjoyable. Dark. Antihero. Steammmy but also kind of slow burnish.
I really liked it.
I really liked it.
March 24, 2022
4.5 STARS
‘I wanted to climb Elaine Constantine and tear her apart on the descent. I wanted to own her. Hurt her. Destroy her.’
We love Jade West, she’s our indulgent pleasure for sure, so we couldn’t wait to pick up the Starcrossed Lovers trilogy. When The Monster and the Doll boxset landed on our kindles we dived straight in and what a journey it was! The rollercoaster ride begins in Heartless, then gathers pace in Soulless and dramatically flies off the edge in Relentless. Heed the trigger warnings if you’re new to Jade West, if you’re not new to this Author, you know exactly what you’ll be getting and that’s intensity, darkness, filthy erotic passion, and situations that’ll make your jaw drop. We bloody loved it and we got exactly what we were hoping to get in Lucian and Elaine’s explosive love story.
‘Shared secrets, and rage, and hate, and this weird new sense of casual somehow. It was fucked up, just like we were. We were two peas of fucked-up in a very fucked-up pod.’
Jade West sure has a way with boundaries. You willingly take her hand as she guides you to your own personal boundary, lets you peek over the edge at what’s to come before her words literally catapult you over to the other side. The element of surprise at how far this Author is willing to take you is exhilarating and addictive, well it is if you’re as much of a fan of her books, as we are. We bloody love it!
‘She was a mass of confusion and rage. Rage and want. Rage and fascination. Rage and being so fucking butchered by her own pain that she was a pool of risk, waiting for anyone around her to step up and take what they wanted from her.’
‘I couldn’t deny it…I wanted the monster to love me enough to keep me safe…It was true…Oh my God it was true…I wanted the monster to love me.’
We never questioned the connection between Lucian and Elaine, their chemistry was explosive, and our kindles were in danger of melting from their passion. Their romance wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t sugar and sweet. It was the exact opposite. Ugly, raw, and darkened by tragedy and horror.
‘I resented her for making me choose her. For being so beautiful, so broken, so strong that I had to take her for myself. I resented her, even though it hadn’t been her choice.’
Our initial interpretation of Elaine Constantine was that of a puppy left out to starve in the freezing cold, chained to a fence with barbed wire. A puppy that no matter how much it’s downtrodden, still has the capacity to live, to love, and to show bravery and rage when needed. On the other side of the coin, you have Lucian Morelli who inhibits that enticing disturbing darkness that you want to run a mile from, but instead can’t help wanting to embrace, love, and devour! Because you just know underneath all that hides a seed of vulnerability and capacity to love. One of them feels too much, the other feels nothing at all.
‘Lucian Morelli wasn’t scared of anything. The man was the devil, reigning over hell.’
Lucian and Elaine’s love story is Jade West’s dark and messed-up version of Romeo and Juliet. Two rival families intent on complete destruction and annihilation for reasons unknown. This story is fraught with intense drama, the extremity of emotions, brutal retributions, aggressive passion, and is the epitome of dark and disturbing. Once again, heed the trigger warnings, but if you love dark and twisted erotic romance, go forth and ENJOY! We sure did! An unputdownable trilogy from the wonderful Jade west!
“I mean it,” he whispered. “I’ll kill them all, baby, one by one. They’ll all rue the day they ever looked at you that way, let alone touched you. That’s a promise.”
Ebook
Paperback
March 20, 2022
Glad I was able to read this all in one shot! Lucia is super ALPHA! And though Elaine was groomed from an early age to be a total submissive, Lucian teachers her the right way that a Dom is supposed to be. They have serious heat and chemistry from that beginning that was hard to stay away from. You want to keep reading because you want to see when they will FINALLY quit fighting it and get busy! (warning.... it takes them a while). And when Lucian would call her his little doll.... well at first it was said in a derogatory way, but once the shift in his feeling happened and he would call her that .... totally made me melt! I have come to the conclusion that Bryant Morelli is STRAIGHT EVIL! But there was a twist at the end that I did not see coming at all! Loved it!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔
🚨TRIGGER WARNINGS ..... S/A & VIOLENCE🚨
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔
🚨TRIGGER WARNINGS ..... S/A & VIOLENCE🚨
March 15, 2022
This amazing book brings all three pieces of the Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy together into a beautiful and sinfully seductive package. The books included are: Heartless, Soulless and Relentless. This box set gives you Elaine and Lucian's complete romance. Wow!! What can I say, this series offers up an apocalyptic explosion of intensity, darkness, steam and disturbing things. I will say that these books are definitely not for every reader and believe me, that is not an understatement. I believe that this couple's story might even give a few die-hard dark romance fans some real moments of pause. This book features a lot of content that will push your boundaries and your buttons and for some readers there will be big triggers (these include but are not limited to sexual assault, drug use, violence, alcoholism, mental illness and S&M). So please, please be aware and make the right reading choice for you before diving in.
Lucian and Elaine are complex and extremely complicated characters that inspire strong feelings in the reader. Elaine is a tortured soul and with a brutally wounded heart. She was such a tragically broken person and I felt that her thoughts, choices and actions showcased that. My heart ached for her. She made me want to shake her, hug her and protect her from everyone that seemed so determined to do more damage to her and that includes herself. As for Lucian, I'm not even sure what to say or even where to start. Let us try to put things into perspective, shall we? There are heroes and then anti-heroes and then there is Lucian. Yeah, he really goes that far and is just that objectionable. He's an acquired taste for sure.
This story is quick to ensnare you in an inescapable, potent web of raw emotions, drama, twists, heat and secrets that is addicting, consuming, disturbing and yes, even at times appalling. Part Romeo and Juliet and part disaster flick, you may love it, like it or hate it but one thing is absolutely certain, once you are in its fierce grip, it's impossible to look away and honestly you will not want to.
Lucian and Elaine are complex and extremely complicated characters that inspire strong feelings in the reader. Elaine is a tortured soul and with a brutally wounded heart. She was such a tragically broken person and I felt that her thoughts, choices and actions showcased that. My heart ached for her. She made me want to shake her, hug her and protect her from everyone that seemed so determined to do more damage to her and that includes herself. As for Lucian, I'm not even sure what to say or even where to start. Let us try to put things into perspective, shall we? There are heroes and then anti-heroes and then there is Lucian. Yeah, he really goes that far and is just that objectionable. He's an acquired taste for sure.
This story is quick to ensnare you in an inescapable, potent web of raw emotions, drama, twists, heat and secrets that is addicting, consuming, disturbing and yes, even at times appalling. Part Romeo and Juliet and part disaster flick, you may love it, like it or hate it but one thing is absolutely certain, once you are in its fierce grip, it's impossible to look away and honestly you will not want to.
July 22, 2023
Heartless
5 stars
OHHHH I really loved this one. This first part did seem like a tease, but by the end I immediately wanted the next one! I can't wait for the audios as I highly recommend them. Lucian Morelli needs a wife and even with their warring families he wants Elaine Constantine. Does this one show some stalking obsessive alpha anti-hero because man he does some dark things to protect Elaine. Elaine is hurting/running from her past and even her present and as I'm not going to give any details away but can Lucian be her white knight? Gahhh I'm stoked for the next one!!! Its good to be back in the Midnight Dynasty world.
Soulless
4 stars
This one picks up right where Heartless ends. We learn even more about Lucian and Elena past's and with their families. Lucian becomes an avenger for Elena in this one and I only wonder how the last one will bring the story to a closure. Looking forward to it.
Relentless
3 stars
Lucian is going around and defending Elaine who have hurt her. This is my least fav of the series. It was just low angst to me and I didn't truly feel any build up climax in this installment. Some steamy scenes and both of them just getting away, but I just didn't feel the excitement in this story that I felt in the first two. It was only okay, I just wished there was more interaction.
Narrators Desiree Ketchum and Tor Thom were perfect for their characters. I really love this pair of narrators together, even this is a Dual style narration.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
5 stars
OHHHH I really loved this one. This first part did seem like a tease, but by the end I immediately wanted the next one! I can't wait for the audios as I highly recommend them. Lucian Morelli needs a wife and even with their warring families he wants Elaine Constantine. Does this one show some stalking obsessive alpha anti-hero because man he does some dark things to protect Elaine. Elaine is hurting/running from her past and even her present and as I'm not going to give any details away but can Lucian be her white knight? Gahhh I'm stoked for the next one!!! Its good to be back in the Midnight Dynasty world.
Soulless
4 stars
This one picks up right where Heartless ends. We learn even more about Lucian and Elena past's and with their families. Lucian becomes an avenger for Elena in this one and I only wonder how the last one will bring the story to a closure. Looking forward to it.
Relentless
3 stars
Lucian is going around and defending Elaine who have hurt her. This is my least fav of the series. It was just low angst to me and I didn't truly feel any build up climax in this installment. Some steamy scenes and both of them just getting away, but I just didn't feel the excitement in this story that I felt in the first two. It was only okay, I just wished there was more interaction.
Narrators Desiree Ketchum and Tor Thom were perfect for their characters. I really love this pair of narrators together, even this is a Dual style narration.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 3, 2022
Interesting read to say the least. There is a ton going on and everyone is so messed up from their past. Elaine has been through so much and no one believes or supports her so she self harms, drinks, and does drugs. Lucian has his own stuff going on too. The two find each other and chaos ensues. Now these two are into a great deal of pain, giving and receiving. So be aware it gets kinda icky…but not as bad as other books by this author. I love how Lucian gets Elaine’s justice!
I would have given 5 stars but the end seemed rushed and important stuff to me was glossed over. Great read.
I would have given 5 stars but the end seemed rushed and important stuff to me was glossed over. Great read.
March 15, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Heartless. Soulless. Relentless. Lucian Morelli is the heir to a powerful and corrupt business empire. There is only one problem: his reputation. His father convinces the board of Morelli Holdings that he needs a wife. Elaine Constantine if the party girl. The wild child. The eldest daughter of the Constantine family. And the sworn enemy of the Morellis. Two households, both alike in dignity. In fair Bishops Landing, where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
You are so lucky to have this collection in your hands. And if the Constantine and the Morelli's sound familiar to you, there is a whole world of them out and in the world now too. Different authors have written different characters stories in this family and you will be so hooked when you read this book you will go searching for the others too. This is an absolutely amazing collection that you will not want to lay down to do anything you will be so sucked into this world. You are in for one wild ride and I hope that you love this just as much as I did.
Heartless:
If you have read Jade West you know that you will know kind of what you are getting yourself into. I always enjoy her books and they never fail to push me in some way. This is the story of Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine. They are mortal enemies for some reason and I am sure as the series goes on we will find out why. Lucian has a plan to destroy or defile one of the girl at her sixteenth birthday party but then he sees the woman in gold and is so distracted he forgets about the other and it isn't long before Elaine becomes his obsession. An obsession that is dark and dirty and has him forgetting that he is technically dead to the world and no one knows that he is really alive and thriving in the world. This is a man that likes to hurt and hurt he plans to do to Elaine. However he has got a girl who I just have to say is really broken and addicted. Addicted to a drug, drink and anything else that takes away what this poor girl has been through in her life. I think these are two souls that are bound to be together at some point in their lives. This book had me reading from cover to cover and I didn't want it to end. I loved every second of this dark and delicious book
Soulless:
This is the second book in the Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy. You need to read Heartless first or you are going to be lost. This is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. This book also picks up right where Heartless left off and it is so good you will read it in one day and not want to put it down. I loved it so much. It really showed who Lucian and Elaine really are and answered some serious questions I had. I love Elaine so much. She is one of those super strong female characters. I loved that we got lots of secrets shared, lines that are beyond crossed and all the dirty dirty deeds that happen next. I don't want to spoil this for anyone but it is absolutely amazing and I loved every single second of it.
Relentless:
This is the final book in the Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy. You have to read Heartless and Soulless before this one or you are going to be really lost. This book picks up right where Lucian and Elaine's story left off in Soulless. This is a couple who is in love and are not going to let anything or anyone get in the way of their love no matter what. But they have the entire world stacked against them, or I was sure it felt like that to them. They have been through so much. This is after all a retelling of Romeo and Juliet and you would think there would be no way your getting a happily ever after, but I promise it does have one. One that you go through a lot to get to the end of and is so smoking hot. I have loved reading this series and this last one was just great
Like I said at the beginning of my review, this series is amazing and you will not for one second regret picking this book up and reading it. You are also so lucky that you have the complete trilogy in one book and don't have to wait to get all three books. I loved every single second of it and was so sad to see it end.
Heartless. Soulless. Relentless. Lucian Morelli is the heir to a powerful and corrupt business empire. There is only one problem: his reputation. His father convinces the board of Morelli Holdings that he needs a wife. Elaine Constantine if the party girl. The wild child. The eldest daughter of the Constantine family. And the sworn enemy of the Morellis. Two households, both alike in dignity. In fair Bishops Landing, where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
You are so lucky to have this collection in your hands. And if the Constantine and the Morelli's sound familiar to you, there is a whole world of them out and in the world now too. Different authors have written different characters stories in this family and you will be so hooked when you read this book you will go searching for the others too. This is an absolutely amazing collection that you will not want to lay down to do anything you will be so sucked into this world. You are in for one wild ride and I hope that you love this just as much as I did.
Heartless:
If you have read Jade West you know that you will know kind of what you are getting yourself into. I always enjoy her books and they never fail to push me in some way. This is the story of Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine. They are mortal enemies for some reason and I am sure as the series goes on we will find out why. Lucian has a plan to destroy or defile one of the girl at her sixteenth birthday party but then he sees the woman in gold and is so distracted he forgets about the other and it isn't long before Elaine becomes his obsession. An obsession that is dark and dirty and has him forgetting that he is technically dead to the world and no one knows that he is really alive and thriving in the world. This is a man that likes to hurt and hurt he plans to do to Elaine. However he has got a girl who I just have to say is really broken and addicted. Addicted to a drug, drink and anything else that takes away what this poor girl has been through in her life. I think these are two souls that are bound to be together at some point in their lives. This book had me reading from cover to cover and I didn't want it to end. I loved every second of this dark and delicious book
Soulless:
This is the second book in the Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy. You need to read Heartless first or you are going to be lost. This is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. This book also picks up right where Heartless left off and it is so good you will read it in one day and not want to put it down. I loved it so much. It really showed who Lucian and Elaine really are and answered some serious questions I had. I love Elaine so much. She is one of those super strong female characters. I loved that we got lots of secrets shared, lines that are beyond crossed and all the dirty dirty deeds that happen next. I don't want to spoil this for anyone but it is absolutely amazing and I loved every single second of it.
Relentless:
This is the final book in the Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy. You have to read Heartless and Soulless before this one or you are going to be really lost. This book picks up right where Lucian and Elaine's story left off in Soulless. This is a couple who is in love and are not going to let anything or anyone get in the way of their love no matter what. But they have the entire world stacked against them, or I was sure it felt like that to them. They have been through so much. This is after all a retelling of Romeo and Juliet and you would think there would be no way your getting a happily ever after, but I promise it does have one. One that you go through a lot to get to the end of and is so smoking hot. I have loved reading this series and this last one was just great
Like I said at the beginning of my review, this series is amazing and you will not for one second regret picking this book up and reading it. You are also so lucky that you have the complete trilogy in one book and don't have to wait to get all three books. I loved every single second of it and was so sad to see it end.
March 16, 2022
5 PERFECT DELICIOUS STARS!! Just what needed to escape reality...a trilogy to keep me flipping pages for a few hours. Dark and delicious...what more can you ask for.
May 4, 2022
This is the boxed set story of Lucian and Elaine which I have already read. The books are great!
March 3, 2023
Dark mafia with a nod to Romeo and Juliet and make it spicy ✅️
March 20, 2022
A mean, manipulative, dirty talking Hero. A broken heroine at the end of her rope. A family rivalry to rival the Montagues and Capulets. Of course, it adds up to a kinky, filthy take on Romeo and Juliet with a healthy dose of brutal mob war for good measure.
I loved this story because it highlights what Jade does best. Takes you to the edge with with an irredeemable hero you know you shouldn't love, gives you a heroine you want so desperately to survive the shit show that is her life, and sets the whole thing on fire with a scorching attraction that will leave you panting for more.
I loved this story because it highlights what Jade does best. Takes you to the edge with with an irredeemable hero you know you shouldn't love, gives you a heroine you want so desperately to survive the shit show that is her life, and sets the whole thing on fire with a scorching attraction that will leave you panting for more.
April 2, 2022
This book is bad. Didn’t like the characters. Didn’t feel any chemistry. Please stay away from it. Don’t waste you time
May 12, 2022
DNF 20 %
I just could not get into it. I really tried but the book is just not for me.
I just could not get into it. I really tried but the book is just not for me.
March 13, 2022
The Monster and the Doll by Jade West is a bundled package containing all three books in her Star-crossed Lovers Trilogy: Heartless, Soulless and Relentless. Let me tell you, if you haven't read them yet, grab this bundle while you can get them all together in one book. What a deal!! I do love a great dark romance, but they can get down and dirty and go places that some readers would rather not follow. Be aware there could be triggers while reading this story. It's not for everyone. I, however, LOVED it!
The Monster and the Doll tells the story of Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine. Lucian is a bad, bad boy...nasty to his core. Elaine is a HOT MESS. Together they are combustible...their lust is off-the-charts. Elaine is emotionally damaged, dark and a bit deranged. Lucian slowly unwraps his true self and takes us all on a free-falling roller coaster ride. I LOVE him! He's dark, deviant and delicious. Elaine can't get enough of him. Lucian can't get enough of her. They are two moths drawn to each other's flame and burning before our eyes. Together they are so HOT, I was afraid my Kindle might combust! With the third and final book we get the EPIC conclusion to their love story. And truer love there never was with these two...their crazy romance continues steamrolling right along until the end.
Lucian and Elaine's story is an action-packed, crazy-wild, hold-your-breath-thrilling, and over-the-top-in-your-face-take-that EXCITING read that you cannot miss! I'll admit, I didn't see that ending coming, but then again, I was probably still trying to get over some prior steamy encounter these two had and the next thing I knew, I was at the Epilogue! I found the whole series incredibly enjoyable to read. The only thing bad about their story is that it ended! I hope you grab this awesome box set and enjoy it as much as I did!
The Monster and the Doll tells the story of Lucian Morelli and Elaine Constantine. Lucian is a bad, bad boy...nasty to his core. Elaine is a HOT MESS. Together they are combustible...their lust is off-the-charts. Elaine is emotionally damaged, dark and a bit deranged. Lucian slowly unwraps his true self and takes us all on a free-falling roller coaster ride. I LOVE him! He's dark, deviant and delicious. Elaine can't get enough of him. Lucian can't get enough of her. They are two moths drawn to each other's flame and burning before our eyes. Together they are so HOT, I was afraid my Kindle might combust! With the third and final book we get the EPIC conclusion to their love story. And truer love there never was with these two...their crazy romance continues steamrolling right along until the end.
Lucian and Elaine's story is an action-packed, crazy-wild, hold-your-breath-thrilling, and over-the-top-in-your-face-take-that EXCITING read that you cannot miss! I'll admit, I didn't see that ending coming, but then again, I was probably still trying to get over some prior steamy encounter these two had and the next thing I knew, I was at the Epilogue! I found the whole series incredibly enjoyable to read. The only thing bad about their story is that it ended! I hope you grab this awesome box set and enjoy it as much as I did!
March 22, 2022
I love this world, and I have to say, I am firmly in the Morelli camp.
“Take it like a good little doll or I’ll make it hurt,”
Luican is definately one of the more messed up character we have been introduced too, but I definately warmed up to him throughout the story. His and Elaine's character just seemed to get one another, which I loved. Two very disturbed characters finding acceptance in each other, despite being sworn enemies.
“Because you’re mine,” I said and forced two fingers inside her. “You just don’t know it yet.”
It definately took me a while to understand Lucian and why he was that way, but as the story unfolds and each of their stories told, you can't help but feel for them.
“Come and meet your fate, little doll,”
Elaine was match made in hell for Lucian, constantly pushing and challenging him. I liked that she was so ballsy, even if she was pushing him for the wrong reasons at times.
“Hurt me, monster. Show me what you really are.”
“Take it like a good little doll or I’ll make it hurt,”
Luican is definately one of the more messed up character we have been introduced too, but I definately warmed up to him throughout the story. His and Elaine's character just seemed to get one another, which I loved. Two very disturbed characters finding acceptance in each other, despite being sworn enemies.
“Because you’re mine,” I said and forced two fingers inside her. “You just don’t know it yet.”
It definately took me a while to understand Lucian and why he was that way, but as the story unfolds and each of their stories told, you can't help but feel for them.
“Come and meet your fate, little doll,”
Elaine was match made in hell for Lucian, constantly pushing and challenging him. I liked that she was so ballsy, even if she was pushing him for the wrong reasons at times.
“Hurt me, monster. Show me what you really are.”
March 15, 2022
Heartless
Lucian is a character that you will never forget. I really enjoyed the interaction between Elaine & Lucian. Two families that loath each other and Elaine & Lucian can’t seem to forget each other. This is going to be an amazing forbidden enemies to lovers story. I can’t wait too see what will happen next.
Soulless
Another great read that I didn’t want too put down. Lucian & Elaine are absolutely a twisted couple that are perfect for each other. This book was so interesting, secrets were spilled and truths were revealed. I’m dying to know what it going to happen next.
Relentless
What an epic ending this was. Lucian & Elaine are on the run for their lives. Lucian will do anything and I mean anything to keep Elaine by his side. This story will have you hooked right from the begin. I absolutely love a good rival read and this series was absolutely amazing.
Lucian is a character that you will never forget. I really enjoyed the interaction between Elaine & Lucian. Two families that loath each other and Elaine & Lucian can’t seem to forget each other. This is going to be an amazing forbidden enemies to lovers story. I can’t wait too see what will happen next.
Soulless
Another great read that I didn’t want too put down. Lucian & Elaine are absolutely a twisted couple that are perfect for each other. This book was so interesting, secrets were spilled and truths were revealed. I’m dying to know what it going to happen next.
Relentless
What an epic ending this was. Lucian & Elaine are on the run for their lives. Lucian will do anything and I mean anything to keep Elaine by his side. This story will have you hooked right from the begin. I absolutely love a good rival read and this series was absolutely amazing.
March 12, 2022
4.25 stars. I couldn't put this down. This is a bind up of the entire Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy which is set in the Constantine/Morelli world and is the love story between "party girl" Elaine Constantine and brutal businessman Lucian Morelli. This is VERY DARK and I highly suggest you check those TW's because it had me nearly having to set it down at times, it's not for the faint of heart. I'm really glad I stuck this out because this was beautiful. In the darkest of times, sometimes one unexpected sliver of light is enough to keep going. If you've read Ms. West before you know their books are kinky, dark and twisty and this is no different. It really makes you work for that HEA, but once you get there, the tears and the tension has entirely been worth it. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2022
Good series
This set has all three books in this series. The reviews for the first two books are posted under the individual books. The first two books were good and had me hooked, but the third book was a let down. It certainly didn't go in the direction I thought it would. Parts of it started being repetitive. I did like the epilogue but I'm still trying to process the last book. Regardless of how it ended, I'm still looking forward to reading more in the Morelli-Constatine saga.
This set has all three books in this series. The reviews for the first two books are posted under the individual books. The first two books were good and had me hooked, but the third book was a let down. It certainly didn't go in the direction I thought it would. Parts of it started being repetitive. I did like the epilogue but I'm still trying to process the last book. Regardless of how it ended, I'm still looking forward to reading more in the Morelli-Constatine saga.
August 18, 2025
another very good book by Jade West
March 19, 2022
THE MONSTER AND THE DOLL by Jade West is a box set of the Trilogy: Starcrossed Lovers and in addition to that it is a part of the Midnight Dynasty a Dark Fairy tale. This is the story of Elaine Constantine and Lucian Morelli. Elaine is the dark member of the Constantine family who has serious issues that are growing but the family isn't helping her but adding to her. Lucian is working to take over the Morelli Holdings but his image gets in his way so he has to clean that up with a wife. When Lucian gets a glimpse of Elaine he becomes obsessed with her. The Morelli and Constantine families have a long history of being enemies so both have learned from a early age to hate the other family so that was their first emotion but with each step they get closer the more they find stuff to bond over. This was a really great box set! Loved it.
Here are the three books that you are getting in this box set:
Heartless
Soulless
Relentless
Here are the three books that you are getting in this box set:
Heartless
Soulless
Relentless
March 17, 2022
This is the Star-crossed trilogy all wrapped up on one beautifully dark book! I love Jade West and when I saw that she had recently revised the story I knew I needed to read it again. somehow It was everything plus more the second time around! these two are some of my favorite characters, they are complicated, they have secrets and they are real! This Romeo and Juliet retelling is a must read.
March 17, 2022
I'm not even sure what to say! GAH!!!
These stories may not be the easiest to read (DARK), but they are "real," "raw," "gritty!"
Elaine will have your heart tied up in knots!
Lucian, well, Love him or not!
There is so much steam still leaking from my reader!
Ms. West has certainly penned a box set this reader will not soon forget!
This is on my TBRx2 list!
These stories may not be the easiest to read (DARK), but they are "real," "raw," "gritty!"
Elaine will have your heart tied up in knots!
Lucian, well, Love him or not!
There is so much steam still leaking from my reader!
Ms. West has certainly penned a box set this reader will not soon forget!
This is on my TBRx2 list!
March 15, 2022
The Star-Crossed Lovers Trilogy by Jade West is now in one fabulous collection. This is has had some rewrites and I feel that it hasn’t changed too much from the original but enough that it elevates the story to the next level. This is a dark, addictive and sinful. Lucian and Elaine are definitely Star-crossed lovers coming from two opposing families. This is one of my favorite pairs in the Midnight Dynasty series, their love is absolutely perfect. Lucian loves Elaine so hard and does not hold back. This is a must read!
March 15, 2022
Okay, I devoured this! I hadn't read the books separately and jumped at the chance to read them in one collection and was not disappointed. Lucian and Elaine are opposites but the same in ways. The story takes you on a journey full of danger, mystery, and heat. I couldn't put this down.
July 21, 2023
I adored Elaine and Lucien. Their romance is dark but sweet. As members of rival families, the Morelli's and the Constantine's, their love is forbidden. They shouldn't be attracted to each other but they are. Elaine is a bit of a wild child who, unfortunately, is the misunderstood one from the family. She harbors a secret and unresolved trauma. While Lucien must prove himself to be worthy of the CEO position, he must also find a wife. He believes Elaine would be perfect for such a role.
Soon they find themselves falling in love with each other. They manage to build a cocoon around them. They're happy together. It's literally so good to be true. Lucien has begun to avenge her and her lost childhood. I honestly was waiting for everything to implode.
But no. Lucien unalived everyone who hurt her as a child. He even sent evidence to her mother. To which then she was very accepting that they were gonna marry. I'm not gonna lie, I was expecting some big dramatic war between the two families. Even his father, who had made a big deal about their relationship, accepted it in the end. Lucien and Elaine are so unproblematic as a couple that somehow this actually worked for them.
❈•≫────≪•◦𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕◦•≫────≪•❈
• age gap
• bdsm elements
• booty play
• dark and broody mmc
• dark romance
• degradation & praise
• rivals to lovers
• first love
• forbidden romance
• forced proximity
• grumpy x grumpy
• mental health rep: SA trauma
• mutual pining
• secret romance
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