Desperate Measures

Wicked Villains #1

by Katee Robert

Once upon a time, I was a sheltered princess. Now he owns me, body and soul.

One night, and my entire life went up in flames. All because of him. Jafar. As my world burned around me, he offered me a choice: walk away with nothing but my freedom…or rise to his challenge and win my fortune back.

I bargained.
I lost.

Now Jafar owns me, and even as my mind rails against him, my body loves the delicious punishments he deals out. It's almost enough to believe he cares. But a gilded cage is still a prison, and I'll do anything to obtain my freedom.

Even betray the man who captured my heart.

For all tropes, tags, and CWs, please check the author's website.


SPECIAL LUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION WITH STAINED EDGES, FULL-COLOR CHARACTER ART, AND MORE.
Rich bonus features include:
Stained edges
Beautiful full-color art insert
Gorgeous additional b&w interior art
Author annotations
Additional scenes
A spicy kink inventory
And more!

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Retellings, Smut, Erotica, Enemies To Lovers

278 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2019

About the author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over two million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

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Reviews

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay so this as a Jasmine/Jafar AU and....not gonna lie I was here for it
there were a lot of other disney villains in this that I hope we get separate books for
my childhood is destroyed after this

[Warda]

DNF at 48%.

I just don’t see the purpose of stories like these even bothering to have some form of a plot going. Seriously, who cares? I mean, you’re in it for a good time, not a long time.

[Chelsea (chelseadolling reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read 4/4/20: Y'all I liked this even more the second time around and I am now VERY excited to carry on with this damn series. Hot dog!!!!!

Original read 8/31/19: This was so naughty and SO MUCH FUN. If you're into the daddy/babygirl thing, you'll love this. My only real complaint is that I wanted more romance and less plot lmao

TW: (consensual) non-consensual situations, emotional abuse (done by a parent), death of a parent

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the steamiest Disney reimagining I have ever read, and I am here for more. Dark, kinky, and over-the-top in exactly the way that I like it. My only concern is that the ending took on a completely different tone than the first 90% of the story, but otherwise I fell hard for J+J.

*CW for consensual non-consent, death of a parent, emotional abuse by a parent, graphic sexual content.



*Many thanks to myself for treating me to this kindle.

[chan ☆]

i just couldn't get into this one! which makes me sad since so many people seem to love these smutty retellings. might try again at some point, but most likely will just give a different novella series from Katee Robert a try first

[Isabella. R · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Obedient Stars ⭐️

Based loosely around Aladdin, ‘Desperate Measures’ is the story of kinky villain Jafar, who claims Princess Jasmine after stripping her father of his riches and empire.  

As her father’s second in command, Jafar has been taken with Jasmine from their first meeting. Having lived in a gilded cage all her life, Jasmine is devastated to discover that she has been forced to exchange one cage for another.  And let me assure you, this story throws you into the upheaval from the very beginning.
 
"She’s mine now the same way her father’s fortune and businesses and allies are mine."
 
Although terrified of her new life, Jasmine is confused about her attraction and hidden submissive cravings towards a much older Jafar.  With a backbone to admire, she is the ultimate heroine. Jasmine has no intention of adhering to Jafar’s way and will do her damnest to fight him every step of the way. And this is a battle that Jafar is more than happy to undertake.
 
"They could never comprehend the level of betrayal, that I wanted him to defile me the way I did, that I welcomed his touch even as I mouthed all the protests I could muster."
 
The author describes this book as Consensual non-consent sexual story.  If you are not opposed to this trope you are in for a treat.  In the underworld, Jasmine will discover that all she has lusted for and dreamed about can be hers at the hand of Jafar. This is off course in exchange for her obedience 🔥
 
"I’ll be good, Daddy. I promise.” I want his cock. I want him to force me down and drive into me. I want so many things. Things I’ve barely allowed myself to fantasise about. It felt too cruel to do it before, to want something I was never going to be allowed to have."

[Alexis Hall]

If you ask me, the most underrated skill in the world is knowing exactly what you want to do it and then doing it.

This book knows exactly what it wants to do and then does it.

It’s ridonkulously fun.

It’s Disney princesses & Disney villains. But, y’know, set in a not super defined modern AU. And everyone is kinky. And nearly everyone is bi. At least so far all the women have been bi. I am taking it as read the same goes for the menz.

The self-consciously irrelevant plot here is that Jafar as taken over Jasmine’s father’s business empire and laid claim to Jasmine as a kind of war prize. Because reasons? Jafar and Jasmine have long-standing chemistry that culminates in … well. Everything you’d expect.

Which is to say mild daddy kink and lots o’ banging.

Absurd as it may sound to discuss the artistic merits of what is essentially naughty Disney fanfic, there’s a hell of a lot to admire in this book. For me, everything about it was judged exactly right. It’s giddy and gleeful but utterly self-aware. Jasmine’s consent is paramount, not just to Jafar but to the book. Her needs, equally, take centre stage: not just her sexual desires but her emotional ones, for freedom and agency. There’s no question that what she enjoys in the bedroom should spill beyond that. It’s an understated arc but watching both characters learn how to put that into practice is really satisfying. Psychologically I mean. As to the other ways some people might find this book satisfying, I could not possibly comment.

My only real peeve was Jafar—one of THE most queer-coded Disney villains—comes across depressingly straight. Humph.

(CW for CNC if you do pick this one up)

[Isadora (tbr is too big) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Princess 🫩👎 Ladies get yourself a man that calls you his QUEEN 💋

Absolutely nothing ground breaking about this but I definitely had a fun time. If you’re into spicy reads then definitely check this out! As someone who doesn’t gravitate towards these types of books I enjoyed most of it except the part were the relationship becomes polyamorous for a hot sec but that’s just my personal taste, I like my romance between two people. (This was only for one scene tho so not too big a deal)

I actually really love Katee Robert’s writing and find a lot of her metaphors interesting and beautifully executed. The only problem I have is that our FMC Yasmina flip flopped all over the place with her feelings that it just didn’t make sense. You can’t go from “Ugh I hate this man 😡 I need to get away from him” to “Oh my God get on top of me daddy 😝” in the span of two pages like what? Other than that she definitely had some bite to her so love that and her ending was just perfect!

The mouth on Jafar… you’ll have to read and find out yourself cause we gotta keep things PG over here 😇 but he reminded me of the love interest from 365 Days if anyone unfortunately knows that movie lol

Overall if you’re down for more spice then plot and just want a good time, knock yourself out with this one!

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heck of a lot of steam, surprisingly a lot of plot, but I found the actual romance lacking. Overall, I did like this one and I find the concept fascinating (Jasmine with Jafar instead of Aladdin- who is actually the villain in this one). I’m definitely interested in going forward with the series and am looking forward to Meg’s story which is next!

Audio book source: Hoopla (library borrow)
Story Rating: 3-3.5 stars
Narrators: Jack Calihan and Lessa Lamb
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 7h 41m

[jaime ⭐️]

➽ book 31 out of 100

dnf @ 40%

boring sex and no plot...jafar sweetie i'm so sorry

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[Camilla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm rating this book based on my enjoyment, and not on the actual quality of it (because I really can't judge it this way).
Desperate Measures is an erotica retelling of Aladdin. Here, Jasmine is sold by her father to a strange man and gets rescued by Jafar, who kills Jasmine's father and takes all power to himself.
I thought this would have more plot, but 80% of the scenes were erotic, to the point that I didn't care anymore. And what bothered me the most is that there's no build up, no romance... just a lot of sex.
This just wasn't a nice read.

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want smut, you get it. If you want a believable romance, you won't get it. Tbh i grew really bored from this book.

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets hear it for the villains!!!! Jafar is fabulous and I really like this bad boy !!!! If Disney had written Aladdin this way I would have watched it a few hundred times!!! Jasmine and Jafar's chemistry was hot and the sex out of this world!!! I have always preferred the villains their so much more interesting and a whole lot more funner! This was a dirty smut filled read with all kinds of fuckery and kink . I love fairy tales twisted and sexed up and this one didn't disappoint! Katee Robert is a awesome writer and is now on my radar! And i love the mix of disney characters,but believe me theirs nothing sweet and innocent about any of them. Can't wait to read the next book in this series Learn My Lesson its Hades and Meg's book. Their was a teaser at the end of Desperate Measures for it and it sounds like another sexy, steamy smutty read. I have a thing for Hades anyway and this spin on him has me hooked already and meg is very intriguing as well. Until next time Luv's💞💋

[Ms reads a lot · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were so many things wrong with this….

I feel like this book couldn’t choose what it wanted to be. Was it a Disney villains retelling, a mafia romance, or a Daddy kink? Like… pick a lane! I could have handled two tropes mixed together, but the Daddy thing totally came out of left field! I felt like it was thrown in to make this a little bit more “taboo” and “dirty”. I thought it was too much of a mishmash.

The plot was kind of a mess. It was like the book began mid story. Like maybe there was a prequel that I needed to read, but hadn’t. Jafar and Jasmine are fucking within the first few pages of the book. I’m all for a fast burn, but I would like to be introduced to the characters before they start boning!

Jasmine is supposed to be a virgin, in the sense that she’s never had sex before, but she’s actually a sex kitten because of all of the smutty books she’s been reading and all of the toys she’s played with🙄 🙄🙄. She’s supposed to be this sheltered princess, but actually, she’s a freak in the sheets who’s totes down for rando’s watching her fuck Jafar, and she calls him “Daddy” without any prompting 🙄🙄🙄. She’s never even seen a cock but she deep throat’s like a champ and rides the D like a cowgirl at the rodeo 🙄🙄🙄. Next she’s muff diving and having threesomes 🙄🙄🙄. Her character was just SOOOOO unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve ever rolled my eyes so much!

The only saving grace for this book was that the sex scenes were hot.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected a hot mess and I got a hot mess and a half

[Jess Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was this the most amazing thing ? No. But it was fun and sexy.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

I want Jasmine confined...
My collar on her neck, its chain never far from my hand.
I want her on her knees in subservience.
I want to fucking ruin her.

Sweet mother of ovaries, what did I just read? How did I not know that Katee Robert had such a dirty side to her? I felt like I should go to confession after reading this, because this was sinfully good.

The premise is delicious; a different take on your favorite disney story but with a deliciously kinky twist. What if the villain got the girl? That's what you get with Jafar and Jasmine. Except instead of a royal kingdom, Jasmine is the daughter to an crime king. And instead of a goofy and somewhat bumbling good boy, she ends up with the intense, broody, and dominant Jafar.

This was more erotica that romance, and even though I don't typically gravitate to this genre, this totally hit the spot for me. And to be honest, for the amount of hot kinkery that happens here, there was a surprisingly satisfying amount of story to it. Fans of dub con and the baby girl/daddy thing would totally eat this up. I'm more of the former than the latter, so the daddy thing didn't quite hit the spot for me so much. However, this was still a highly entertaining and hot as sin read that I devoured from beginning to end.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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[britneyspears · Rating 1 out of 5]

zero outta five

dnf as soon as she said "daddy" sorry not sorry

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me after reading this book:


I don't know where Katee Robert got the idea for this series from, but oh my goodness, she is hella wicked! I'm not even sure how to review Desperate Measures because my main thought throughout the book was "OMG WHAT!!!!". I will tell you that it is very much out of my comfort zone, and only Katee could have gotten me to pick this book up.

Desperate Measures is a contemporary retelling of Aladdin with Jasmine and Jafar as the leads. I know what you're thinking, Jasmine & Jafar??? I was skeptical, but also very intrigued and I will say that Katee Roberts makes it work. Jasmine has led a very sheltered life in the middle of a criminal world. Her emotionally abusive father has kept her locked away for most of her life. As you can imagine, this was a girl with a lot of vulnerabilities, but she manages to be fierce and headstrong. She was tired of people were walking all over her and was ready to stop that from ever happening. When Jafar kills her father to take over all of his assets, he decides to whisk away Jasmine as well. They have shared some passionate chemistry in the past and he is ready to show her how hot he is for her. Jafar was wily and cunning, but way hotter than his cartoon counterpart. I liked that I could never guess his true intentions. He was complicated, a whole lot possessive, and just plain devilish. He certainly hid a softer, more vulnerable side to him, but I liked the grey parts of his personality more.

There was a whole lot of sex in Desperate Measures. Trust me when I say that this book was ridiculously filthy. I mean with the chemistry that Jasmine and Jafar shared, the book was bound to be hot, but wowzah! If you're not into erotica, this might not be the book for you, but if you're keen on trying something wicked, go for it. This was pretty much my face while reading the scenes of these two (and sometimes more) go at it like bunnies:

Desperate Measures was certainly one of the most scandalous books I've read and as much as it pushed my boundaries, I also could not stop reading it. It was completely addicting and add to that all the political dynamics as well as glimpses of the potential future couples, I couldn't look away.

Anyways, Desperate Measures was a great intro to this series. If you're interested in trying something steamier than your usual read with some grey characters, I definitely would give this one try. Keep a fan (and some holy water) nearby though because your face is going to be on FIRE.

[Lexi (updating reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✧

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert is a dark, deliciously spicy mafia romance remix of Aladdin, where cages are both literal and metaphorical, and shame tastes like freedom. It follows Yasmina, a mafia princess locked in a gilded cage by her father—until Jafar, her father’s second-in-command, stages a coup and claims both the empire and his daughter as his prize. But Yasmina doesn’t dread her new future the way she’s supposed to. When the walls around her come crashing down, so do all her inhibitions… and she quickly discovers how fun it is to do things you should be ashamed of. What happens when freedom tastes like possession, and sin feels like salvation? ✨

Just a note: the CNC (consensual non-consent) in this story is intense and frequent—please check content warnings before diving in!

───♡─────────────

♡ What I loved most:
• The dual POV was addictive—seeing both sides of this twisted obsession made it feel even more intense 🌹
• Jafar’s POV?? Positively unhinged. He was so obsessed with Yasmina, it burned off the page 🔥
• Katee makes bisexual spice feel so hot and natural—I normally don’t enjoy queer scenes, but hers always land 💋
• The ending was everything I wanted and more—utterly satisfying 💫
• Yasmina’s arc felt powerful—watching her rise from the ashes of control and claim herself 🏰
• This edition’s artwork is so beautiful—definitely a collector’s gem! 🎨

✘ What didn’t work for me:
• I hated the psychological parallel between Jafar and Yasmina’s father—the way both caged her, controlled her… and the fact that she called Jafar “Daddy” (especially during that role-play scene in the office 😬) made me super uncomfortable 🫣
• I wanted the emotional intimacy to arrive sooner. So much of their dynamic felt transactional and obsessive until nearly the end ⏳
• The interconnectedness between so many of Katee’s books across different universes is so much. I love a good web of side characters, but it’s exhausting to feel like I need to read 10 more books just to fully appreciate one 📚
• The author’s notes included in this edition didn’t add much—they felt more like interruptions than insights 📓

❀ Overall:
If you pick up a Katee Robert book, expect two things: obsession and sexual exploration.
This story was seductive, dark, and addicting—with a caged bird finally learning she doesn’t just have wings, but claws too. While the heavy spice overpowered the plot at times, and some of the dynamics weren’t to my taste, I still enjoyed Yasmina’s descent into something freer, wilder, and more her. ✨🖤

「Wicked Villains」
#1 Desperate Measures — 3.5 ✧
#2 Learn My Lesson — TBR
#3 A Worthy Opponent — TBR
#4 The Beast — TBR
#5 The Sea Witch — ✘
#6 Queen Takes Rose — ✘

「Wicked Villains: Next Gen」
#1 Wicked Pursuit (Red Riding Hood remix) — 4.25 ✧
#2 (Zayne Sarraf + Michelle Hook + Niko Romanov) — TBA

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'This Jasmine doesn't need Aladdin' stars

Edit 23 Dec 19: A tiny review of bonus Christmas Winter Solstice scene at the bottom.

“A traitorous daughter and her father’s murderer. Maybe we really do deserve each other.”

This is a story of revenge and love and power. A story about a villain and a princess falling in love.



There is a forbidden relationship between Jafar and Jasmine. He was her father's second in command and has been lusting after her since the moment he saw her. And Jasmine... well, she wanted Jafar from the start too.

I stare up at him, at war with myself. I want him. How could I not want Jafar? He’s gorgeous and dangerous and forbidden in a way that tempts me all the more.

She’s mine. She’s been mine since I laid eyes on her.

However, even if they do want each other, they both want to bring the other to the knees - literally and figuratively. And what a fight of wills this is. There's enough sexual tension between these two to set the book on fire. So you know, be careful when reading *wink*

“You want me to come here in a rage and take it out on that tight little pussy of yours while you scream that you hate me and yet pull me closer all the while.”

What can I say, when they get down and dirty it's kinky and hot as hell. And often! And everywhere! That was such a smut fest. Smutty heaven, I tell you.

There are a lot of very intriguing characters as well. Hades & Meg the MCs of the next novel. We are in for a treat with those two. And I'm pretty sure that we haven't seen the last of Hook.

I obviously liked the book very much but there was something missing in the story. I can't quite put my finger on what, it's just that I was waiting for something the whole book and then it was the end. I must say a fantastic end. Still, I wouldn't mind another chapter or two more.

“What is a kingdom without a queen?”

*******************************
Jasmine's Winter Solstice

Katee sent a short bonus scene for newsletter's subscribers. A glimpse into Jasmin and Jafar's life together. Yes, it's hot and smutty! Yes, I'd totally like more.

He makes me feel so dirty and so protected, all at the same time. I love it. I love him.

And... I'm very intrigued who is Alaric. Hope to meet him in Hades' book.

[Olivia (Stories For Coffee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katee Robert’s love interests annoy the fuck out of me lmao

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Erotic Romance
Type: Standalone Book 1 of Wicked Villains series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Jasmine Sarraf never got the chance to spread her wings. Living in a gilded cage, her fantasies were restrained by the bars. When her father’s ambitious second in command Jafar presented her with impossible choices, she had to decide what she craved the most.



Give me sexy villains, and I’ll always choose them over heroes every single time. In that aspect alone this book already attracted my attention. And Aladdin is my second most favorite Disney cartoon, so it’s impossible for me to resist it.

“What are your rules?”
“They’re simple enough. In fact, there’s only one. Obey.”

Jafar was a very sexy character. Right from the start, he exuded mystery and sex appeal. Jasmine was a feisty heroine. I liked how even though she’s sheltered, she’s smart and not innocent.

Even when she’s fighting me tooth and nail, there’s a core of submissiveness there that draws me, a moth to flame.

I enjoyed the storyline and the supporting characters were all arresting in their own way. However, I had some issues with the plot. There was one thing I kept wondering how it happened that didn’t make sense because it wasn’t explained. I also felt the last 20% or so flipped too much to be believable. I love when characters evolved but not when it happened like a switch without enough support.



Thankfully, this book was dirty with a capital D(ick) :p I loved the chemistry between them and dub-con always makes me hot and bothered. My favorite part is the one with another character who I have high hope for in the next book.

Desperate Measures is with a modern, alternate retelling of Aladdin. It would appeal to readers who enjoy kinky erotic story.






🔸 ⚔ 🔸. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . .🔸 ⚔ 🔸




For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no high horse to stand on when it comes to that. I want Jasmine confined, too. My collar on her neck, its chain never far from my hand. I want her on her knees in subservience. I want to ruin her.

If there's a good guy in this scenario, it's not my part to play.

This is more of a 3.5 than a 4, but I think that's partially because I never personally shipped Jafar and Jasmine (in fact, I've never been an Aladdin fan at all, sorry), so it was hard to get invested in the couple at first. That said, I'm a much bigger fan of all of the pairings in the books to come in this series, so I'll definitely continue.

———
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[Katherine Karas · Rating 2 out of 5]

hey might i suggest a therapist?

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

** 1.5 Stars **

So OTT. 🤦‍♀️

[Salma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

daddy. hot. dang.

that’s it. that’s my review

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 25 years old, Jasmine Sarraf has been a caged princess her entire life. Though she has her own ideas, being free to express herself in all ways is practically impossible. However, when her father’s authority is overthrown, the imbalance gives rise to new possibilities as Jafar takes the helm.

“The problem is striking the right balance of challenge and obedience. That, we haven’t accomplished yet. That will take time.”

From the outset, a lusty antagonistic dynamic is established between Jasmine and Jafar. Together, they are combustible with Jasmine pushing the boundaries and Jafar making her accountable for her defiance. For years, Jafar had suspected much was percolating in Jasmine’s mind and body, but he didn’t expect her to be so perfect for his needs.

“You want me to come here in a rage and take it out on that tight little pussy of yours while you scream that you hate me and yet pull me closer all the while.”

This story has elements that I definitely enjoyed. With the constant push-pull between Jafar and Jasmine, the chase and role-play, it all made for explosive scenes. Playing on mythology, the secondary characters were equally as entertaining and intriguing. Though there were some minor plot points that needed a bit more exploration, it didn’t detract from the overall story. Plus, I look forward to reading the next book in this Wicked Villains series.

Desperate Measures is an erotic spin on a classic that will leave the reader wanting to rub a different sort of lamp. This book will appeal to those looking for a hot and steamy read.



*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Meredith is a hot mess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why has it taken me so long to read Katee Roberts?? She's quickly becoming one of my favorite erotic romance authors.

This is as much about a power play as it is about anything as mundane as lust. Jafar might want me, but it’s not simply because he’s a man who wants a woman. I am a symbol, an indicator that his victory over my father is complete on every level. Power, money, home, daughter.

A Jafar & Jasmine retelling is brilliant and I'm surprised I haven't come across a story with this premise yet. While this book had a darker edge than some of this author's other stories, it is by no means the darkest dark romance out there. This didn't dampen my enjoyment - I'm finding this author's writing style faced-paced, energetic, and engaging. At first I was nervous because Jasmine had such a smart mouth (I don't believe heroines who talk back make a heroine strong, strength needs to come through actions), but by the end of the book there was a turn of events and Jasmine came into her own power in a believable way. I don't want to spoil anything but Jonah was awesome. Also I was pleasantly surprised by a MFF scene (which is rare in m/f romances, but my preference compared to other types of ménage). I'm excited to find a new author I like, that seems to write consistently well, but across a broad spectrum of kinks & erotica. My only gripe is that I was not into the daddy kink in this book -- there wasn't much of it, but every time the heroine called the H her daddy I was taken out of the story. I felt the dynamic was not built up enough? Idk it didn't work for me. Though not my preference, I'm not against it by any means (I just read & enjoyed Your Dad Will Do) by this author, but for me to be able to come around to this it really needs to be character driven and make sense for the characters. A dynamic needs to be developed. I didn't 100% buy into it here. It didn't deter from enjoyment much, just slightly took me out of story.

3.75 stars. I'm looking forward to going through this author's backlist.

[Daniela Santos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm traumatised.