Natalie Zapata and King William “Liam” of Luxembourg definitely have a non-traditional meet-cute with her being a madam and everything. I do like how things go that first weekend. It’s cute and sweet and steamy.
There’s a bit of a lull in the middle as the foundation for what comes next was laid out. I feel like this ended right when it was starting to get good again. A little inner circle drama, a race to correct a misunderstanding, and *BAM!* it’s over. ðŸ˜
Also, this is a huge departure from Gio & Aria’s story. Yes, Natalie here is the same one in that book. We get about two pages of her horrid ordeal with the late Senator (which can be triggering for some) and other refreshers from that book (at least one isn’t completely correct). It’s enough that some might see it as too much of a spoiler, but I digress.
Other than some catty BS that was completely predictable, the darkness and angst were missing. I don’t need those things or generally expect them from Nikki Ash, but after book one, I did expect more of the same here. If it weren’t for La Stella’s, I might have thought they weren’t tied in the same series.
Anyway, those are my two cents on this. If you don’t like dark romance, skip book one and chapter 2, and you’ll probably enjoy this. I do like it, but if your coming off the other book like me and expect more of the same / similar, well, see above.
I received an author’s copy of the audio book. The narrators, Christian Leatherman and Cecily Foster, are great. Christian’s accent is yum, and Cecily brings the emotions to life well.
Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x