The queen is not born– she is forged through survival.
You've read the Mistress and Master of Restraint series in present day. Join Regina Regal nineteen years in the past to where it all began with Jaded.
Even as a scholarship student, Regina Regal is the brightest at Hillbrook Prep, causing her to straddle two extremes between the destitute class she dwells in and the affluent she visits daily. Neither of which welcomes her with open arms, forcing her to choose between her people and her friends.
While dealing with insurmountable loss, Regina has more burdens placed upon her shoulders than the average adult could carry. With her mother dying, Regina has a difficult time crossing the line from caregiver to daughter in order to have both her mother’s and her own emotional needs met. Regina is struggling to keep her head above water as she takes on more debt from her mother’s mounting medical bills and living expenses, only to realize she is drowning.
At eighteen, with a college scholarship guaranteeing she will join the ranks of her one-percenter classmates, Regina should have the world at her fingertips.
Since she was young, Regina has been the provider, creating a young woman who has the need to survive and a hunger to be in control. But she finds herself falling apart, making horrible decisions that have lifelong consequences.
Regina Regal’s life changes irrevocably when her best friend, Adelaide, invites her to study at the imposing Whittenhower Estates. Going against her instincts, Regina is compelled to visit Misery Castle.
The girl who entered Misery Castle’s iron gate will not be the jaded woman who flees it almost five years later…
Publishers Notice
The author did an extensive rewrite on this title, and the entire Mistress & Master of Restraint series. Not just editing and formatting, but a rewrite to where it's #NotTheSameBook #NotTheSameSeries The final republished editions began in early 2015 with Restraint, and mid-2017 with Checkmate so far. Reviews written before those dates may include elements that are no longer contained within the book, or the series as a whole.
The author apologizes for any confusion this may cause. To avoid any reader having to repurchase the titles (via Amazon), no matter the significant changes in the contents, they are listed as the same book. Readers who are in possession of the old edition only need to update their copies via Amazon.
Ms. Chilson also requests for those who reread the series to update their reviews and ratings accordingly, either for the positive or the critical, to help readers make informed decisions on whether or not to read based on what is currently in the final editions of the series.
Erica Chilson does not write in the 3rd person, wanting her readers to be her characters. Therefore, writing a bio about herself, is uncomfortable in the extreme.
Born, raised, and here to stay, the Wicked Writer is a stump-jumper, a ridge-runner. Hailing from North Central Pennsylvania, directly on the New York State border; she loves the changes in seasons, the humid air, all the mountainous forest, and the gloomy atmosphere.
Introverted, but not socially awkward, Erica prides herself on thinking first and filtering her speech. There are days she doesn’t speak at all. If it wasn’t for the fact that she lives with her parents, giving her a sense of reality, she would be a hermit, where the delivery man finds her months after expiration.
Reading was an escape, a way to leave a not-so pleasant reality behind. Reading lent Erica the courage she gathered from the characters between the pages to long for a different life. Writing was an instrument of change, evolving Erica into the woman she is today- a better, more mature, more at peace thinker.
Erica has a wicked mind, one she pours out into her creations. Her filter doesn’t allow all of it to erupt, much to her relief. Sarcastic, with a very dark, perverse sense of humor, Erica puts a bit of herself into every character she writes.
"Jaded is dedicated to all the females who have yet to find their true voice and the ones who have felt the power of exceeding their own self-perceived limits. Don’t bother reaching for the sky when your fingertips already touch the stars."
Warning: Erica Chilson is revising/rewriting/restructuring/editing/formatting the Mistress & Master of Restraint Series in its entirety for release into Print. The entire series needs to be read in order. Restraint/Unleashed/Dexter/Dalton/Jaded.
I'm reviewing like it's my first time reading, changes have been made, the story is the same, but so very different. This is a saga, a soap opera of deviants, crossed family trees, and ultimately, a twisted game. Jaded starts the beginning of Regina's long road of sacrifice and loss. This series is one of my top favorites, it's hard for me to write a review, or even express my love for these characters, I can't do them justice. Here goes nothing.
Regina aka Queen is a strong female voice in the previous books. Yet, there's a mystery that shrouds her. Everything you think you know is out the window. Her story is a punch to the gut, not everything is what it seems. She's forced into a life she never wanted, she pulled up her big girl britches, and planned the decimation of all who has used her soul for a game she never wanted to play. Who will win a losing battle? Erica Chilson added a ominous feeling to this book. I felt the the dark clouds looming. I was yelling at my kindle, "Run, Regina, run." You never know what to expect, you never what direction the knife is coming from. New players emerge, the game takes a turn, and we are left in utter shock and devastation. I feel like a rat in a maze filled with dark, road blocks and traps.
This series only gets better with every new book!!! Hold on to your feelings, because Erica Chilson will puncture each and every one.
So this is how Queen came to be. I really liked this one. I've liked Regina on and off. In this one, holy shitsticks! Ade and Whitt's father is a complete rapist asshat! I'm sucked this story down in a few hours because I was riveted. Learning about Regina as a child is illuminating. Seeing how Grant, Ade and Whitt interact with their father is very disturbing.
I love how Ms. Chilson builds her characters here. As she reveals more about parts about their life, it's distressing and shows how they came to be. I'm rooting for Regina. She needs to take Daniel Sr. OUT!
I can't wait to read the next one in this series. This one while dark, wasn't so fucked up like the others for me. Recommended for those who love rooting for the underdog.
Before Queen was Queen there was Regina Regal. An extremely intelligent girl that lives in poverty and takes care of her dying mother. I found the back story of Queen very interesting. This book shows how strong of a woman Queen/Regina is. I can't wait to see more of Queen's story and how her story interplay's with the Masters. The emotional roller coaster ride continues in this book. At times my head was spinning. This book did not disappoint. Like I said in my review of Restraint if you are not into BDSM this book is not for you. But, if you enjoy an erotic read which gives the reader BDSM, love, hate and a well of other emotions this book is for you and you won’t be disappointed. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I'm not one to use gifs or pictures in my reviews but this one definitely rates one. This is me when I finished reading Jaded! I was floored, dumbfounded, gobsmacked, and left with my mouth hanging open. On the inside I was screaming, but on the outside I was well....
This book does so many things. It sheds light on others involved in this whole sordid mess they call life. It give me compassion for those I previously had none. It sheds light on so many things and it leaves you reeling.
Regina or Queen as she has been named had a rough life. But, she was pulling her way out of the slums and doing everything she could to make better future for herself. Then the prick, aka Daniel Whittenhower I, steps in and it all goes to shit. How one person could wreak so much havoc on innocent people is beyond me. And it's not limited to people he doesn't know, he does it to his own children, his own flesh and blood.
Regina is strong because she has to be. To be anything else, would be a travesty. She would fall apart and shatter and never recover. How anyone could survive what she's been through is unknown to me.
I can't say anything else because it will give away the story. But to say I was reeling is an understatement. Erica Chilson has created some of the most loveable and f**ed up characters I've ever seen. Jaded does so many things for us. It gives us history on Queen, it brings the other stories full circle, and it gives us compassion for those we thought didn't deserve it. The sins of the father are visited upon the children and in this case, the sins of the father are visited upon everyone he touches.
I can't wait to see how the rest of this plays out. It's all so messed up but you can't stop reading. It's compelling as only Erica Chilson can bring and how can you NOT find out. I'm hard pressed to figure out, who in this series of intertwined stories and books is more messed up. How they didn't all turn out to be serial killers is beyond me. The fact that they can even function in normal society is amazing!
The moment you have to write a review, but know there are no words to get what you are feeling about the book down, or your head is so shook up that the words you say will be inadequate. This is what I'm dealing with in writing a review for Jaded.
Regina Regal is strong. A woman who will not let herself be overpowered or taken over by the Founding families of Dominion. Oh she bends because at 18 she is dependent on scholarships they have fingers in , jobs they oversee, but she never breaks. She will watch, learn, love and lose all by the age of 22. But this is a journey and this book is the beginning of that journey.
As she loses her mother, the families circle like prey and she is chosen to enter the gates of the castle to do that which another cannot. Her life from poverty to riches is met by disgust, but she lives it. We see the inner workings of the Wittenhowers, the twisted family where no one is who they say they are, where even the very youngest knows too much about life.
I am terrified to read the other books in Regina's story as I'm expecting bad things to jump out of the pages, Erica Chilson has the ability to make you fear the story as much as pull you in and keep you on the twisted ride this is. This book and the previous need to be read to understand the people of Dominion, to see a bit of the backstory not just the her and now, to say more would be to give away the secrets and the surprises that lie within.
I was gifted an ARC of this book, but this in no way influenced my honest opinion of this book.
Wow! What a journey. The first part of Regina's story starts with Jaded. We meet Regina. Regina is attending Hillbrook Academy with the children of Dominion's elite on a scholarship. At home she is dirt poor and looking after her dying mother. He life changes forever at the hands of the Whittenhowers.
I went through so many emotions reading Jaded. I related to Queen and connected to her completely. I felt anger and frustration, especially during the first half of this book. Jaded took me though so many emotions but the joyful happy moments meant even more because of the difficult lives they lead. I cried so much reading Jaded and as soon as it finished I started reading Queen, the next part of Regina's journey.
I read the original edition of this Jaded and the series and I am loving it even more the second time around. I feel so much excitement reading know bits of what is to come while I rediscover the story and characters I love so much. If you haven't read this series yet, give it a go, you won't regret it. But remember they must be read in order. Happy reading.
I really suck at writing reviews for Chilson's books. I absolutely love her writing, yet I find it difficult to review her books because the secrets, lies, and suspense make it far too easy to reveal a spoiler.
In the case of Jaded, I had the opportunity to beta read the updated version and it was excellent. The author has tightened the storyline up considerably, cleared up confusion from its previous release and series threads, and added more foreshadowing so that those who read the original releases will have an even better idea of where the series is headed. It's said that hindsight is 20/20, but in the process of preparing her books for print publication, Chilson has taken advantage of the opportunity to rewrite the M&M series as she meant it to be and Jaded has clearly benefited from it.
As Jaded is the fifth book in an ongoing series of connected books, it should not be read as a standalone. But if you've made it this far into the series or you've read the original version of the book, prepare to learn even more about Regina Regal's journey to becoming Queen as this is only the beginning.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a spoiler-free review btw!
I've been looking forward to hearing Queen's story since starting this series, and Damn! It did not disappoint! I've loved her character since meeting her early in the series and I love her even more after finishing Jaded.
Jaded goes through the background of Regina Regal's life, from her final year of high school and early years of college. Regina is a strong woman, but she is put through hell in her life. How can one young woman deal with all of the crap thrown at her? I wanted to cry right along with her through tragedy and heartache.
Sunshine (Whitt) is a breath of fresh air inside of Misery Castle. He is a terrifyingly intelligent 6 year old and he absolute loves Regina.
This story does not visit Restraint, but it gives readers a much needed (and anticipated) background on not just Queen, but Whitt, Fate, and Ade as well. And I hate to say, I don't detest Ade nearly as much now! Another great novel and I can't wait to delve into the next one!
Now I lay me down to sleep and pray the lord I dream of Queen tonight!
Queen’s story truly is all consuming. Her story is like coffee for me I could not drink it up fast enough. Queen/Regina is a strong character and one that is so well written by Erica Chilson. Often times when an author pens a strong female character they come across as a BITCH but Queen doesn’t! Queen is a character like the rest of this large cast of misfits that has a dark past but aside from crying woe is me this woman sets the obstacles in her life a blaze.
The sex in this story also needs mentioning and definitely needs its own paragraph and it is HOT, SEXY and oh so SATISFYING and funny I found myself learning a lot about my own kink! TMI!
I found Queen’s story to get under my skin and stay there and my thoughts during the day would drift to her as if I wanted to help her on her masterful mission.
Erica Chilson you have crafted one deviant story my friend.
I seriously love Erica Chilson's books! I love the strong characters she has developed. Delving into Queen's past was heartbreaking. The entire world Erica has created is beautiful, yet some of the antagonists in the stories will piss you off at times. But, that is just good writing! :) I love that we are seeing a different side to some characters that I know for myself I did not like in the earlier Restraint books. I like that it shows that things aren't always as they seem and you shouldn't judge. I have already started Queened and I cannot wait to see what happens.
This was a 5 star read for me right up until the last 10%. I felt there was way too much packed into the ending. I love that Erica's books are fast paced but it was all a bit too much to digest, given everything that happened prior to that.
Roman, Grant, Daniel, Ade, Kris, Fate, Faith, Ez, Cort, Whitt & Niel, Ella......I guess the next book could go in any direction!
I need time to digest what I just read, so will take a breather before diving into the next book. There is no doubt that I will as these stories are too compelling to not want to continue with the series.
... I don't know what to say... this book, to me, is not like the others in this series. it is just as amazing and awesome, but I feel like there is more...feels? to this book than the others. maybe because its Queens beginning or maybe its just the writing. what I do know is that I had an easier time connecting to the characters in this story and they will forever be imprinted in my mind. Regina and Grant are now my two favorite characters in this series and I cant wait to see what the future has in store for them!
Bawled my eyes out. First 40% I was a mess. Then it got better until the last 5% or so.
Received SO much valuable information though and I look into the previous books with a whole new light. I see stuff playing out in my head so much more clearly. Amazing. I can not wait to see what's to come in the future.
Erica Chilson, you are insane and I forkin' love it. I can not get enough.
Just when I think I have this series figured out, I am thrown yet again! Everything I had come to know and love about these characters, has been completely shattered! Erica is a master storyteller! Regina's story was absolutely heartbreaking. I hope that she finds the peace and revenge that she deserves. I can't wait to start the next book!!
If you are a fan of the Mistress & Master of Restraint series, then Jaded is an absolute must read. Regina's story is one of strength and overcoming adversity. I was fascinated with how she was tied to the other characters in series, and all of my questions of how and why were answered. I can't wait to start Queened to see what happens next in Regina's story.
In this installment we get the back story on Regina also known as Queen. We get to understand how and why she became the way that she is today. Without posting any spoilers I will say that if I had to go through what she went through I would become what others deem as heatless also
I can't get enough of this series. I was contemplating on reading book 5-6-7 so glad I did. You get to see some of the back story on everyone and peaces of the puzzle start to fall together.
Before there was Queen there was Regina Regal. She is extremely intelligent and is given a scholarship to Hillbrooke Academy where she attends school with the children of the elite. At home, she lives in poverty and takes care of her dying mother. I loved seeing the back story of Queen/Regina and learning some of the secrets of the people of Restraint. Little Whitt is adorable and precocious. We finally get to meet Grant Whittington and learn about the circumstances of Niel's birth. Oh what a tangled web this author has written. This series gets better with each subsequent book.