A modern-day arranged marriage with a twist, Jacob Chambers offers to marry the sheltered 19-year-old Catherine Bettencourt in order to get her out of her abusive father’s home.
Despite themselves, each has begun developing feelings that go beyond transactional. Afraid of Jacob not reciprocating, Catherine remains quiet about the shift. Meanwhile, drowning in emotional baggage, Jacob won’t allow himself to confess his feelings.
When Catherine’s safety is at stake, they’re forced to change the terms of their agreement. But the nuptials are just the start.
Wow! This was not a particularly action-packed read, but it was suspenseful and emotional and, at times, almost felt like a psychological thriller. Watching Jacob spiral was intense. Likewise, seeing their relationship grow, particularly in the moments spent with Charlotte, when she was unaware of the soothing effect she provided, were exquisite. Despite knowing what lay ahead, the ending still had me on the edge of my seat. I’ll be not-so-patiently waiting for Dearly Departed to drop!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😑😳🥵🥺😲
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Suspense
✨ Tropes: Age Gap, Billionaire/Rich AF, Fake Relationship, Family Saga, Marriage of Convenience
💫 Microtropes: Faked Death, Virgin FMC
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Pegging, Squirting
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave you wanton.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Dearly Beloved is the first book in the Wedded Bliss duet and ends on a cliffhanger. This series must be read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.