Power and Possession

Steele Enterprises #1

by Rachel Avery

She’s the daughter of his enemy. He’s a criminal who plans on kidnapping her to force his enemy's hand. But after taking her, he starts to doubt everything he’s ever known.

Ashlynn wants nothing more than to distance herself from her narcissistic father and live her own life in the UK, far from the New York penthouse she was raised in. But when her father crosses an international art thief and is forced into hiding, Ashlynn gets wrapped up in the very world she tries to flee.

Steele is seeking revenge, determined to humiliate and usurp his enemy by any means possible. But when he kidnaps Ashlynn, he takes on way more than he bargained for. Fiery, passionate, and stubborn, Ashlynn never gives up and Steele can’t help but admire her—and, much to his dismay—desire her.

Can Ashlynn ever return Steele’s feelings, especially given how their relationship started out? Or will she plot against him to return to her father’s world?

Genres: Dark Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Dark

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2024

Reviews

[Melyssa Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man did I love this book! I got it as an ARC and I devoured it in one sitting! I love the characters so much. Their development and growth was awesome, and the chemistry was *chefs kiss*. The MMC is definitely the one with more character development imo and I love the fact that she is what changes his world. He’s like perfectly morally grey 😍 awesome awesome book.

[Miss S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’ll murder you here in cold blood for even thinking about touching what is mine.”

What to expect:
❥ Dual POV ❥ Enemies to Lovers ❥ Spice
❥ Feisty FMC ❥ Curvy FMC ❥ Kidnapping
❥ Morally Gray MMC ❥ Possessive MMC ❥ He Falls First

Power and Possession is about Steele and Ashlynn. Steele is an art thief and lord who’s insanely rich and someone you don’t want to mess with, which is something Ashlynn’s father tries to do, which leads to Steele kidnapping Ashlynn. Steele did not expect a woman like Ashlynn to appear in his life (I mean, besides the fact that he kidnapped her and forced her into his life), because this woman has fire, and she’s not letting herself capture easily, and she’s not an easy woman to hold captive.

She had a knife to my throat, and, instead of ending her life, I’d kissed her.

This book is on the shorter side, so if you’re expecting some in-depth romance with a complicated plot, then this book isn’t for you. There is chemistry from the beginning, and it doesn’t take long for them to act on, but Steele is quickly feeling something more about Ashlynn, while Ashlynn is like “I can’t love a man who kidnapped me”, which I have to say sounds pretty reasonable. So Steele got some work cut out for him, not just to keep Ashlynn safe, because Steele is not the only person Ashlynn’s father has wronged, but he has also decided to make Ashlynn care about him.

Daniel Steele is the perfect morally grey MMC, who’s a bit unhinged when it comes to what’s right and wrong, and how far he’s willing to go for what he wants. Him falling for Ashlynn made me swoon, because he’s adorable 🥰

Ashlynn is a complicated character, but I loved her. She has some insecurities about her curves, but Steele is obsessed with her body, which was really nice to read. Her feelings for Steele are mixed, which I’d expect them to be, and there is a little Stockholm Syndrome feel to it all, and while she is the reason he gets hurt at some point, she’s also the reason he doesn’t. She is spirited, brave and very independent, which makes a really great FMC in my eyes.

The ending was the best part of the book, which sounds weird I guess, but it was just a perfect ending to everything they’ve been through. It was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way, and it was a sweet and mildly spicy ride.

I was so lucky to receive this ARC to review with my honest opinion.

Read the full review on my blog here.

[Courtney Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot and can be a tough critic, but what a great book! I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy and I flew through it with the great plot and smooth writing style. Ashlynn is such a relatable character. As frustrating as she might be sometimes, when you really think about her situation, you'd probably react in the exact same ways. And Steele is just hot! With twists and turns right up till the end, this book will keep you on your toes with the perfect amount of spice. Highly recommend!

[Aura S · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He is a thief for sure and Art is not the only thing he stole because I am his victim too".

When Steele, a gorgeous, obsessive, and painfully handsome man strike Ashlynn's life and kidnaps her with the excuse of her father's decisiveness in business. Ashlynn, who already is tired of her father's attitude and lack of care, finds refuge in her captive. Things get explosive when a compassionate chemistry builds between them. What happens when she is taken by her father, who is all ready to kill the man she care for?

The whole plot, the events that led to their union, and the FMC and MMC themselves were amazing. I enjoyed it as much I can tell. The passionate love Steele has for her made me crave for my own heart thief and God the things he do for her. I am also curious for Cooper. Will he get his own book? It is a complete standalone, however, I would love it to be a part of a series. Thanks Rachel for the book and a beautiful addition to my fictional characters.

[Anni Barkla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Hot! I loved this book so much that I couldn’t put it down until i reached the end.

This was a dark romance story with kidnapping and feisty, female lead Ashlynn, and a super hot 🥵 male lead Steele who has a dark past. Ashlynn is caught up into an illegal heist after her father ripped off the wrong people. It read like i was watching a movie and i was deeply entwined into every moment. Action, suspense, loyalty, the flames that these 2 characters had. Do yourself a favour and add this to your read list! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


I received this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book! I cannot recommend it enough. It’s a fun read with good twists, a feisty MFC and an “impossible not to love” male lead. It also had good banter and made me laugh out loud a few times.
Before reading for sure check the trigger warnings.
I would give this book a 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. It is smutty with a plot, not easy to find now a days to be honest!
Thank you for a wonderful read Rachel!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just read this and devoured it in one nyt !! Yes, it's that good.

One kidnapping that changes them both.

He needs her to prove his power, but does her power over him rule over everything?

She's one feisty fmc, and he's one hottttt mmc. The pull and tow between them is brilliant with an awesome back story and hot steamy scenes, a true enemy to lovers romance hints of darkness but with a happy ending it made me laugh in parts the mmc humour is brutally brilliant.


This is a perfect book for those wanting to start their dark romance journey, pick it up, and enjoy this very well written book .

[Shhh ... I’m Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, What a read! I devoured this book! I received this book as an ARC and couldn’t get through it fast enough!

I loved the sassy MFC, Ashlynn, whom is quite feisty! The MMC, Steele hard a dark twisted past and developed feelings after kidnapping his enemy’s daughter!

The story was well written with the perfect twists and turns!

I’m shocked at seeing some of the 2-3 star reviews. I guess everyone has different tastes 🤷🏻‍♀️

I highly recommend this book!

[💀🖤Just Steph🖤💀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars!
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ashlyn is the daughter of a man who had wronged a very powerful man. Steele is that man and he has decided to exact his revenge on him by taking Ashlyn. But is it all really what it seems? Is Steele the bad man or is Ashlyn’s father?

The story will pull you in from the beginning. Ashlyn is a very strong minded FMC though she doesn’t pay attention to her surroundings as well as she should. She is infuriating at times when she fights her feelings but she will figure them out. Steele is the strong man who becomes weak for his woman. He falls hard and fast and does not derail from those feelings even with Ash fighting them internally.

Great read. I’m a slow reader but it seemed to go by fast!

[becci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one a lot. A dark romance with kidnapping, forced proximity and enemies to lovers is exactly what I needed after a few fluffy romances. Whenever I thought they would get their happy ending something else happened, twists and turns all the way to the end. Feisty fmc and a morally grey mmc with who did this to you attitude. I’d recommend this for anyone wanting to get into dark romance.

[Vanessa Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written! Strong characters & character development. The FMC is bad@ss! Loved the plot & locations. I felt like Rachel really captured me & captivated me with this book, I didn't want to put it down. I feel like the emotions were conveyed so well. I must buy the physical book! I knew I needed to own this less than halfway through this book! Highly recommend absolutely adored this book & the characters.

[Missy Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel does it again!

If you start it, make sure to clear your schedule! Because you won’t put it down until you’ve read the whole thing! I won’t spoil anything but, this is a great spin on romance!

[Marina Garnica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book! I recieved an ARC copy for it. The story is quite interesting, their dynamic evolves with it but I do think there is a point that the relation reaches a point and it gets stuck with just smutty scenes (by almost the end)

[Jenlovestoread7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It had it all crime, kidnapping, enemies to lovers, he falls first and lots of spice.

I loved the characters growth and their journey together to a HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lex Gömöri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly gifted an Arc of this book.
I think this story was one of my favourite in this year already. It is a great story, a plotline what holds attention and never a boring part.
I really like it, and I can imagine myself to read it again

[Kristine Jitloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just amazing! I got an advanced copy and it was incredible. I couldn’t put it down. I won’t spoil it for anyone but I’ve been following this author for awhile and every book is even more well written than the last (which is shocking because I thought the first were well written.) I think I’m the only one who did get an advanced copy so I’m not sure how someone else has rated it yet, unless they were reading a different book, haha. So take the 2.5 rating with a grain of salt.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The name of this author is vaguely familiar to me, but I can't say for certain whether I've read any books by her before or not. Regardless of that fact, the book was decent and I enjoyed it. I'm giving it a 3.7, which I really wish you could leave instead of just a flat three.

It wasn't a flat three for me, but there was something missing that would have pushed it to a four. At times it felt like the author was going for a dark angle, but couldn't commit to it. Now, I have absolutely no idea of that is what she was going for, that is just my thoughts. For me, it would have been really good if it had been darker. If we had gotten to see more of Steele's dark side, I think it would have taken it to a four star or even higher.

The writing was nice, had a nice flow to it. It wasn't choppy or anything, which is a huge pet peeve. It had a nice pace to it, the plot had a nice flow and was interesting. Nothing was thrown at you too quickly, leaving you wondering what in the world was going on. It was easy to follow along with the characters.

I didn't really connect with Ashlynn too much, but I really enjoyed Steele's POV’s. I looked forward to those chapters. It almost felt like the author had a better feel for him than Ashlynn, which is just something that happens when writing sometimes. I just liked his POV's. They were well written and just really enjoyable.

There was spice, but not a lot of it. I've read more explicit things, but I suppose it all depends on your definition of the word slice. Just saying, there is spice, so do with that what you will.

If the author really commits to the dark romance angle, if this was like a test run or something of the sorts, I think she would have a pretty good book on her hands. This one had the potential to be a very good dark romance book!

[Tegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first dark romance book. I normally read fantasy but I liked the author’s other series so I gave it a shot! It was sooooooo good! Spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. The fantasy series the author wrote were written in third person, and this was first person and I liked it even better. Steele is boyfriend material!!!!!! He’s dark, but still a cinnamon roll character.

Fav quotes:

“No. Look at me. Don’t close your eyes. You can pretend this isn’t happening all you’d like, but it is. Tell yourself pretty little lies in the morning when we’re done and the pleasure is a memory lingering in your body, but right now, you’re gonna be with me or this isn’t happening.”

“Stop that right now. Don’t hide yourself. You are an incredibly attractive woman. Every single part of you deserves to be worshiped.”

I wanted to lock her in my vault, keep her with the precious pieces of art that I couldn’t part with, the pieces that moved me in ways that I couldn’t comprehend. I thought I’d been searching for meaning through art—but it was through Ashlynn that I’d finally found it.

“I want you until every man who came before me is lost to you, the ghost of their memories eradicated from your mind. I want you until you can’t possibly imagine another man between your thighs. I want you until there’s absolutely nothing left to take. I want you until every fiber of your being is mine and mine alone.”

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went back and forth on my rating for this book and ultimately decided on 4 stars. In reality it was maybe 3.5 for me, but part of the issue was that I read the audio version, which was narrated by AI, and it didn't do the book any favors. (So I rounded my rating up.)

Side note: I will never read another AI-narrated audio books again, particularly not a romance book. The AI kills the spice. Also, most of the characters here were British, and the AI narrator was using an American accent.

Overall I liked the story and the development of the relationship between Ashland and Steel. There was a decent amount of spice (AI-narration aside), and I flew through it in about 2 days, which I don't do if I dislike a book.

That being said, some of the especially unrealistic occurrences in the book took me out of the story. (Mild spoilers to follow):
1. Maybe don't call your kidnapper "a$$munch" on day one before you know how dangerous he is.
2. Apparently the upstairs rooms have bars on the windows, but the first-floor ones don't? Huh?
3. Sorry, but a helicopter is not going to land on the lawn without anyone noticing, particularly the security team.
4. In general, there was a concerning lack of security at various points in the book.

In general, there were a few too many "Wait...What?" moments for me, but it's a fun read if you have more willing suspension of disbelief than I do.

[Amber Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of dark romance books, so no matter how hard I try to go into a new book open minded, I have a preconceived notion about the basic structure of the plot. Power and Possession blew that notion out of the water, and I loved it. The story was captivating enough to keep me reading for hours at a time, pretty much devouring the book in just two sittings. There is a little bit of action and violence, and what I consider a mild amount of spicy scenes, meaning there were several, but not too overly detailed. I loved the power struggle Steele and Ashlynn, the main characters of the book, partook in through out the entire story line. Steele's morally gray character held my heart from the very beginning, only causing me to fall deeper and deeper in love with him the more we learned about him. On the other hand, regardless of the situations Ashlynn found herself in, more times than not I wanted to strangle or at the very least slap some sense into her. If an author can make me scold a character's actions out loud while I am reading, then they have done their job in writing a fabulous character, in my opinion. I yelled at Ashlynn so many times while reading this book, my dog wouldn't even stay in the room with me.

Overall, I found this to be an entertaining book with spectacular and unpredictable characters.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤❤️ Power and Possession ARC Review ❤️🖤

Thank you so much to Rachel Avery for the opportunity to read and review this book!!

Power and Possession is a dark enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance. Steele is out for revenge against his enemy, and he’s decided to kidnap his enemy’s daughter. Ashlynn’s worst nightmare has come true - she’s been kidnapped and held for ransom. But what happens when their emotions start to become more complicated??

I really enjoyed this read! Ashlynn was a strong character and I enjoyed her so much. Steele was a great character and I loved that we got to know him and his backstory as well! Their relationship felt like a natural evolution which I really enjoyed.

Overall this was a great five star read! I enjoyed the characters and the story so much! This book definitely has some darker themes so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book did have some spicy scenes throughout, so overall three flames for spice

If you’re a fan of dark romance with strong women, possessive men, and forbidden romance vibes, then absolutely pick this one up!

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power and Possession
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You know a book is good when you have to take a couple days to really digest what you’ve read in order to write your review. All expectations I had went out the window with this book, Rachel literally blew me away.

I love when a book can flow beautifully, add in a great storyline, clean writing style, lovable characters, great world building and amazing character development and it would be a 5 star read for me. Rachel’s writing style was in depth when it came to really getting the character’s feelings portrayed and writing the storyline to be something that grasps your attention. I loved Ashlyn and Steele’s connection and chemistry. Granted he kidnapped her and in a normal world, that would be red flags all around. But with the book girlies, I devoured the crap out of that troupe in this book! He was morally gray as it comes, but his feelings were real and I loved that. There was lots of plot twists that made it a thrilling read and just the right amount of spice. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what Rachel writes next!

[Tiffany Wald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to ARC read this book but was only given 6 chapters. I read those 6 chapters in about an hour. The writing is beautifully detailed and the pacing is perfect. I am beyond excited to read this whole book when it’s released, I already pre ordered. The tension between Steele and Ash already has me amped up. I can’t wait to see what the author does with the characters and plot to this dark romance when it is released.


UPDATE: Read the full version!! Whew chilly 🥵😅
Steele man, I fell In love with him faster than I want to admit.
Ash decisions and behavior started to baffle/ irritate me towards the end- if you read or are going to read you might or might not relate.

I read the whole book in about 8 hours. If you love tropes like enemies to lovers, forced proximity, kidnapping, strong FMC, morally grey MMC, this is the book for you.
The spice is 3.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I rate mine on a board between Colleen Hoover being a zero and 50 shades of grey before a 5.

Steele is my favorite because you think he’s this unhinged crazy man, but he’s actually a sweet and cute little otter who will absolutely melt your heart while making you hot at the same time. I love me a dominant man who doesn’t take no for an answer (respectfully) who can also bring you to your knees with him calm and dominating words.

[Raindrops.and.Books (Scarlett J) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review :)

Enemies to lovers, broken pasts, explosive passion….YES PLEASE! Steele makes me think of a boy who’s been kicked and beaten and grows to be this hardened “no emotions” man who secretly has that little boy in him screaming for love. He’s crude at best but Ashlynn seems to be just the girl to love him. Ash has a prick of a father who seems “good” but you’ll see why he’s not. She’s done everything to be independent and live for herself, Steele just happens to be what she never knew she needed.

This was a gripping read from the start. There was the perfect blend of passion but not love sick. Ash is tough and she definitely dishes it out to Steele and I was all for it! Their passion is hot and rough and in his own way romantic.
The last few chapters were action packed with rescues and “just kiss him already” moments…but the blissful end was chef’s kiss.

All in all it’s a really good read.

[Alicia Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. This was such a wonderful read. I finished the entire book in one sitting, and I just found myself immersed in the characters and the storyline. I rate this book very highly because it almost became an addiction. The flow and the slow burn were almost torturous, but watching Steele slowly melt from a cold-hearted kidnapper to a soft, caring, protective teddy bear left me wanting more. I also very much admire Ashlynn's resilience and fighting spirit, but also her courage and spunk to challenge even her own father to save the man she had grown to love. I thoroughly enjoyed the art references, and Ashlynn's appreciation and love of photography. Absolutely captivating. I can't wait to see what Rachel Avery comes up with next! Pure literary genius.

Overall 9.5 out of 10
Spice 8.5 out of 10
Storyline 8 out of 10

"Touch her and die" vibes along with grumpy criminal secret-softy mmc and fierce/spoiled/princess fmc, with a wonderful enemies to lovers slow burn.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Rachel Avery and I can say with certainty I wasn't disappointed!

Steele is the typical cinnamon-roll wrapped in a danger blanket. He's so sweet, I cannot get over it. I think my favourite moment is the very first party. I don't want to say too much for spoilers, but the way Ashlynn reacts when she sees who he truly is...*chefs kiss*

Ashlynn is the typical humanities graduate (with family money) that has absolutely no clue what she wants to do for the rest of her life and continues to settle for whatever will pay the bills. I love her fire and absolute sass. Refusing to bow! As an American living in the UK, I couldn't help but laugh at the cultural differences. I know I read so fast I skipped over some parts, so I'll definitely be re-reading. That ending had me speed reading just to see how it ended!

Also, I want to know more about Cooper! He sounds like such a great guy and so funny and sweet.

[Shannon Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashlynn is the neglected daughter of a rich New York businessman. Steele is a rich art thief, and although he had a rough childhood, he had very wealthy European parents. Ashlynn's father double crosses Steele and sets off a chain reaction that starts with a kidnapping and leads to Ashlynn and Steele's lives changing forever. This book was a page turner, and I was sucked in from the beginning. Steele is a morally gray MMC, but it doesn't take long for you to join the Steele fan club. Then as the reader, you are just waiting for Ashlynn to get on board. Not that you can blame her for being skeptical, considering how their relationship started! I love romance, suspense, enemies to lovers, morally gray characters, and spice. Power and Possession had all this and more! 5 out of 5 stars from me!

[Charley Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Pace: ⏳️⏳️⏳️⏳️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥

When is Stockholm syndrome, not Stockholm Syndrome? When you've been taken captive by a mafia man who wants to show you the world while threatening to burn it down to find anyone who hurts you.

This enemies to loves, forced proximity heart-wrenching journey will have you yelling and screaming, and not always in frustration 😏

Walk the path with these lovers who are so wrong for each other, and yet so write at the same time. They'll have you turning page after page while you fight with your own twisted emotions on how this story should play out. Follow along on their will they/won't they journey of self-discovery and unravelling secrets.

Just one more sliver of proof that money can't buy happiness. But maybe happiness needs to be stolen and kept captive until there's nothing left to threaten and hurt it.

[Wendy Archibald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could read this again for the first time! There were so many things I loved about it! First, it's a standalone, so the story wrapped up with a nice happily ever after. Secondly, the chemistry between Steele and Ashlynn was amazing! The 'will they or won't they' kept me on the edge of my seat the entire novel. It's a dark romance, but not super dark. If you are looking for something super dark, you aren't going to find it here. There is a little bit of violence and an attempted SA, but Steele turns super soft around 40% of the way through and can do nothing wrong!

It's a fast-paced novel, which makes it so enjoyable and the writing is sooo smooth and easy. Non-stop action. It's edited very well, I couldn't find any mistakes and I'm a stickler about that!

My favorite read for 2024!

*I received an advanced copy of this book, but the above thoughts are my honest opinion.

[Alisha Jolliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
“We were a volatile volcano, always just a few minutes away from erupting and spewing ash everywhere”

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to get an advance copy of this book! This is a full length dark romance. Throughly enjoyed the story, the characters, the romance, and the suspense!

Power and possession follows Ashlynn, a lonely daughter to a rich New York businessman and Steele- a powerful art thief, with a heartbreaking childhood. When a business deal goes wrong Steele kidnaps Ashlynn in an attempt to gain power over her father. However the pair quickly realize that the chemistry they share is catatonic, but can they overcome their past, and the struggles that have yet to come? Will Ashlynn’s father swoop in to save her in time?
Tropes
* He falls first
* Forced proximity
* Kidnapping
* Enemies to lovers
* Billionaire
* Touch her and 💀
* HEA