If you're into psychopath MLs with zero redeeming qualities, then this book might be up your alley. Just don't expect strong writing - because it's definitely not that. The FL is your standard naïve, ab*sed heroine, and the ML - Pure evil. He literally calls her a "dog, " revels in her misery, and takes pleasure in keeping her broken.

Unfortunately, this one lands on my list of yandere men I cannot stand. He's not charming, not attractive in that "he's a red flag but I don't care" way, nope. There's... more>> no temptation, no inner conflict, no guilty swooning. You just hate him through and through, especially for how gleefully he enjoys the FL's suffering.

And the smut? Honestly, not good. Even with non-con, some authors manage to write it with intensity or flair. Here it's flat, mechanical, and dull.

The ML is controlling, manipulative, gaslighting, abusive, sadistic - all the makings of a deliciously twisted character, but the author squandered it by pairing him with a paper-thin, weak, heroine. If he had gone up against an equally cunning FL, this could've been something. But no, we get the same old fragile, naïve type. That's on me for expecting more.

I dropped it at chapter 35, not because of the dark content, but because the storytelling itself was bland. <<less

Overall, I think it was quite a good story that touched on the 'complexity of feelings of love'. The plot and settings were good too imo. I was having a heart attack each time 'running away' scenes unfolded, and I can't tell how many times they've died and revived.

ML - Asherad. Phew this mf- Madness. Psychopath. Manipulator. Tr*sh. Mf just kill and kill and kill. But I love his character. He is a consistent yandere thru n thru. Every scene with him got me creeped up and horrified. This man... more>> even manipulated things till the end! Like, I want him to die, but I also want to see him crawled back.

FL - Daphne. Boy was I rooting for her- She's your typical foolish and naive fl. Restrained, but she's getting better imo. Ab*sed and brainwashed to be a dog for almost her life, she actually CAN think once she got her sense back and not deceived easily. Girl can't even suicid3 in peace smh..

Ioannis - I had to mention him cuz he's my fave character and seems to be the only one who is sane.

Tbf most of the characters acted like shit, but it was understandable. <<less

Asherad is seriously unhinged 😂 He fully lives up to the “yandere” label.

Even though there’s some aristocratic plotting, the story focuses heavily on the couple. The +18 scenes are satisfying.

FLs like Daphne usually annoy me with their over-the-top innocence, but honestly, she’s not the worst. She does manage to notice a few things on her own. In the end, the couple really proves they deserve each other.

... more>> I have to admit, I didn’t love the ending—it felt like the author just rushed to wrap things up.

The story follows some classic tropes while also trying to break them. The author really committed to the “breaking the mold” concept, but I feel like they missed the perfect moment to actually make it work.

What I liked most is how Asherad stays true to his twisted nature till the end. On the flip side, I think Daphne could’ve realized her own dark side a bit earlier. <<less