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Conflict of Desires

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I am Icarus. While I flew too close to the sun, my wings melted, and now I’ve fallen into the ocean to drown.

With one kiss ten years ago he set me aflame, awakening desires I never knew existed and spoiling me for all other men. Now I’m more obsessed than ever with this untouchable heartthrob, Tybalt Wythe. When a stranger mysteriously bequeathes his house to me, I find myself at Tybalt’s mercy. His arrogance and insensitivity know no bounds, and he treats me as his plaything, but with each passing hour I fall more deeply under his spell.

Together we search the stranger’s house for keys to our past, and for awhile our teamwork draws us together. But Tybalt will use me to rebel against his father. He will put revenge before his feelings for me. He will treat me merely as a means to an end. Being a god, he doesn’t have to feel for the lowly plain people. All I ask is that he feel for me. Since he can’t, I’m shielding myself the only way I know how.

Sometimes even after people die, the secrets they carried remain.

To the outside world, I’m a god who has it all. To those who know me well, I’m doing everything I can to foil my father’s plans. Scheming is my middle name and revenge my game. I want vengeance on my former friend, on my uncle, and on my dad’s fixer. When a wild bird crosses my path, I trap, tame, and keep her. Though I don’t trust her, I treat her to my twisted desires. She makes a nice pet, and she’s useful to me in several ways.

Now a dead man is dictating my life, demanding I team up with some of my enemies. Nor can I carry out my schemes without my tamed bird, who’s flown her cage. Agatha Tindale expects me to feel deeply for those I’ve used as pawns, including her. But past traumas have made me suspicious of women and my feelings for them. Can I learn to trust those who live by what they believe in—before I’ve lost Agatha?

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2024

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About the author

Kathleen Haley

27 books76 followers
Formerly an academic, I took up writing romance recently and quite by accident. In early 2022 the right elements conjoined—my love of villains, my taste for high comedy, and my pull towards strong women. Now I can’t stop cooking up plots and drawing new characters. Though I write mostly dark romance, I invariably weave plenty of reality into the fantasy. My preference for lone wolves, quirky characters, and intense plot results in what my reader and author friends call romance with teeth. I live in Berkeley, California with my dachshund-Chihuahua, Pooh-bah. When I’m not writing, I love traveling, cooking, playing piano, and cycling in the nearby hills.

Follow on Insta @kathleenlotthaley

Website: https://kathleenhaley1.wixsite.com/my...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Jo Bailey.
48 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2024
" your proud, cruel and mistrustful- and I adore all of it. You get off on your own power- so do I. Your vengeful and unforgiving - and I worship you for it...But you have sociopathic moments when your insensitivity slays me. Maybe it's because you're wealthy powerful and the sexiest man alive. You don't have to feel for the lowly plain people. All I ask is that you feel for 1 lowly plain person."

Another absolute banger by Kathleen Haley. The way she makes me hate Tybalt, but at the same time I find myself rooting for him to get the girl.

He is the classic alpha-hole, dominant, powerful, entitled & wealthy sex god. She is a working class, glass half full type just striving to get where she wants to be In life.
They are forced together in order to find answers to the past, but they can only hope to get what they both want by working together.
Tybalt has a long way to go to find himself again, to really feel beyond the surface level.
Agatha has a missing piece she wants answers. She is strong, intelligent and patient enough to get through anything.

The story is just as captivating as I have come to expect from Kathleen's writing now. The twists and turns we go through keeps the pages turning. And of course she knows how to write a steamy scene to perfection. Just delish 😀
Profile Image for Bek ✨.
166 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2024
Conflict of Desires began slowly, but once the story's layers unfolded, I was captivated. Kathleen Haley masterfully explores complex characters Agatha and Tybalt, whose journey raises questions about the power of desire.

Tybalt's rough exterior hides deep scars, while Agatha's optimism faces its own challenges. Their contrasting backgrounds create a fascinating dynamic, with a palpable push-and-pull chemistry.

Haley expertly balances steamy moments with emotional depth. Tybalt's transformation and growth make this a compelling narrative. I experienced a love-hate relationship with him, appreciating his complexity.

Kathleen Haley delivers again, solidifying her talent. Conflict of Desires is a must-read for those seeking a captivating, emotionally charged romance with complex characters. It’s satisfying HEA will leave you breathless.
Profile Image for Natalie Brown.
697 reviews37 followers
November 27, 2024
Well, I have to say it took me a minute or two to like Tybalt. That man is so frustrating, and to be quite frank, a bit of a prick!!

Agatha had me so frustrated at the beginning of the book. She submitted so easily to Tybalt, and I felt like banging my head against a brick wall, and I wanted to sceam and throw my Kindle! I was beyond happy when she finally stood up to him!!

This book is hot. It has all of the spice and a healthy dose of mystery that kept me hooked.

This is the first book I've read from this author, but I'll definitely be checking out more.
Profile Image for LivingReadGirl666.
400 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2024
I find books that have an unattainable but captivating male lead to speak to my younger self in ways that are painful. Tybalt is a cocky billionaire playboy that is used to buying his way. When a house is left to him and an out of work set builder, Agatha, he pays off the lawyers to allow them access to the house before probate is settled. The resulting forced proximity has them entertaining their attraction. The evolution of Tybalt’s character as he inevitably falls for Agatha, and Agatha’s patience, sensibility, and intelligence pulled me into the plot. I found the writing style reminiscent of The Brother’s Karamazov or Anna Karenina and capturing the essence of what that means is challenging to summarize; maybe tragically beautiful? The political maneuvering gave the novel big picture structure but to me, it was the character development and the messaging about what it means to be human that carries the story. I am grateful that unlike Anna Karenina, we got a satisfying Happily Ever After ending.

I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hash.
131 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2024
Damn, this book had me in a love/hate relationship with Tybalt but in a good way.😉
Tybalt is your typical hardcore alphahole & Agatha is a love-struck working woman who is caught up on her initial meeting with Tybalt, which was quite steamy.

But it cannot compare to her second meeting with Tybalt.
(I had to ask myself if I just stepped into a porno while reading this scene and then he refers to her as "Backup". I died & was hitting my table with my hand & squealing-choice scene)

Yet Tybalt is a man used to getting his way and with Agatha, this does stop. She is all he wants but did he push her too far?
Tybalt's redemption arc reminded me of the song The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script. He only knows he needs Agatha like nothing else in his life & he's not leaving her stoop.

This book is super steamy & has a wonderful HEA, Kathleen did it again!!!❤️❤️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shanna Smith.
218 reviews12 followers
November 10, 2024
First off this book was absolutely an up and down for me. Not in a bad way of course, but Tybalt was just the biggest alphahole you will ever met. He was one grumpy dude and I have to say I wasn't a fan of his for a good portion of the book. Then you meet Agatha and you have hope that sunshine and rainbows will grace us with their presence in the book. In a way they did but it took some time, a little mystery, and forgiveness for that to happen.

Agatha met Tybalt when she was just a teenager but the attraction was there and both didn't expect to see what would happen next for them until 1o years later. Both were willed an estate, which Tybalt was aware of but Agatha was completely confused by. Meeting again after 10 years their encounter was one that you didn't see coming (pun intended). Tybalt did everything in his power to control Agatha so that in the end she would give up the estate and just leave.

Tybalt wasn't prepared for what Agatha was capable of and that she would last as long as she did. During this time, Tybalt and Agatha had different agendas and a treasure hunt ensued. Of course the attraction between Tybalt and Agatha grew stronger and stronger. However, Tybalt has so many demons in his past (no thanks to his father) that he possible destroyed the only thing he cared about. Going out of his comfort zone, Tybalt turned from a truly grumpy alphahole to a somewhat better alphahole you could stand in the end.

This was a truly grumpy/sunshine story and when I say I wasn't a fan of Tybalt in the beginning, it took me a while to understand he had his own demons to work through. His obsession with Agatha brought spice and well an attraction which, in the end only made sense for them to be together. If you love spice, mystery, a little back and forth banter, and well more spice this is the book for you.

Kathleen Haley has outdone herself again and just when you think you have her figured out how she will write her characters, she throws you a totally different way.
Profile Image for Cassi B.
331 reviews19 followers
November 26, 2024
“I don’t accept your declaration of friendship. From now on, when we share the same room, watch out. I’ll be weakening your will and twisting the knife in your heart.”

************

To start, the level of hatred that I felt, for Tybalt, rivaled what I felt for King Joffrey in GoT. At least, for the first half of the book. We've all got demons that plague our pasts, but damn did he take his bullshit to a new level. He never wanted to be CEO but won't fight, publicly, for what he wants.

Agatha has been down on her luck while trying to find a job doing what she loves while also looking for something to just pay the bills. The unexpected bequeathment, of a house from a stranger, may just be her ticket up and out. Too bad Tybalt is the other beneficiary... despite the fact she had been obsessed since he kissed her 10 years prior.

Their first meeting, after that 10 years, is definitely an interesting & hot one. Together they navigate searching the house for answers they both need... even if he doesn't let her know what he's actually looking for.

There are both expected and unexpected turns as we navigate their story and pasts, but the ending is definitely satisfying.


Conflict of Desires proves, once again, that Kathleen Haley's ability to spin a story and rope you in is absolutely fantastic. She has an impressive way with words and imagery that absolutely boggles me.
Profile Image for Lucy.
62 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2024
Kathleen Haley strikes again with Conflict of Desires, delivering a mix of steamy romance, emotional tension, and personal growth. From the get-go, the fiery dynamic between Agatha and Tybalt had me hooked—it's got the classic opposites-attract, enemies to lovers story, but with layers of mystery and intensity that kept me guessing. Tybalt is a love/hate character to the core. There were moments where I wanted to shake him for his arrogance, but then Haley does what she does best: she makes you want to root for him.

One thing that stood out for me was the balance between the romance and the underlying mystery. It isn’t just romance and smut; there’s this thread of intrigue that adds a nice twist to the plot. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations. There’s a perfect mix of suspense, romance, and those gut-wrenching moments where you’re not sure if they’ll ever find their happy ending—but trust me, the HEA is worth the wait!
Profile Image for Natalie Intihar.
269 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2024
Conflict of Desires was another great read from Kathleen Haley! Tybalt and Agatha are a unique pairing and their dynamic is both intriguing and delightful to read. The added plot of Agatha’s search for her biological father brought a level of intrigue and mystery to this book without taking away from the romance plot as well.

This book has one of my favorite tropes ever- forced proximity- and having Tybalt and Agatha under the same roof was the perfect match to light their spark into a flame. And boy, did that flame burn HOOOOOT.

I love how each of the love interests in Kathleen’s books are so different. I’ve read so many of her books this year and each has been a treat in a different way. I say it every time I post a review for her- if you like dark romance, these books are MEANT for you.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Allie.onlybooks.
58 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this story, it had me on the edge of my seat with the mystery. The spice was so hot! Overall this story was so intense and captivating! The age gap isn’t overplayed, the characters had a great chemistry. This story follows Agatha, a young woman trying to find apart missing piece to her past. The MMC Tybalt sex god and business tycoon mourning the loss of a loved one. Opposites in so many aspects you wouldn’t think they work, Their journey isn’t all love and flowers it’s flawed just like them.

This is my first read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last! I had a great time reading this story and I cannot wait to read more by her!
Profile Image for booklover.mall.
103 reviews
November 12, 2024
OMG! what can I say about Conflict of Desires, it had me in a few emotions. I was angry, sad and hurt a little on both end of Tybalt and Agatha. Tybalt a Alpha-ahole but also dominating man (which in my opinion I am liking). He mad me so mad at times but it had me HOOKED on me. My girl Agatha man oh man this girl had me pulling my hair out lol... she mad me so mad for what she did after not seeing him for ten years !!! like GIRL !!! WTH but I understood her for everything she is and what she desires for herself.

All I have to say is Kathleen Haley you have me hooked to your BOOKS! I can not wait to READ MORE!
Profile Image for thebeespot72.
1,954 reviews205 followers
November 14, 2024
“Conflict of Desires” took me a bit to build up. The connection between Agatha and Tybalt is established separately through their past, but eventually, their story is joined together in the present. Author Kathleen Haley intentionally writes Tybalt as a non-likable character with flaws—that was one hundred percent believable. Agatha is the plain “Jane” type who just about fawned over him, which was sometimes difficult to read. But as I continued reading, I could understand and follow how she and Tybalt were evolving. The steamy scenes come at you from the start, and certainly not the soft lovey-dovey kind. It’s not that kind of story, but I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Lianne Scheepers.
180 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2024
“Agatha you’re mine more surely than the moon is the earth’s satellite.”

I really disliked Tybalt, especially in the beginning. And every time I was warming up to him a bit, he made another “d*ckmove”. On several occasions I wanted to give him a high five….in the face…with a chair.

The story had a lot of emotion, mostly on Agatha’s part. It made the dynamic between her and Tybalt quite turbulent. The characters were well thought out, they both have their background stories which makes them who they are today. Character development is done so smoothly that you hardly notice it, but it’s there all the same. I really enjoyed the side characters as well, well…most of them anyway. 😉

There’s a nice pace to the story, and there are quite a lot of plot twists. There is the added mystery of Agatha’s father as well as some much needed evidence against Tybalt’s father. Which gave the story a bit of a detective vibe as well, which I really enjoyed! It was impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Meka 🌸.
270 reviews51 followers
November 11, 2024
This was my first Kathleen Haley book and it will definitely not be my last. I love a good romance book with solid characters and a solid thought out plot and Haley provided both in this novel.

The relationship between Agatha and Tybalt evolves in a way that we get to watch both characters develop and change and we get to watch them go on an emotional journey together.

Along with the side characters and the secrets it was all enough to keep me thoroughly intrigued the whole time.


Overall

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for OG.
150 reviews12 followers
November 5, 2024
I’ve read a few of Kathleen Haley’s books this year, and so far, this one is my favourite. How I fell in love with one of the biggest alphaholes I’ve even met, I’ll never know, but damn… Tybalt is one hot mofo. Agatha is a sweet girl who has had a crush in him from afar for years, and when circumstances bring them together, she’s ill-equipped to handle his harsh and demanding dominance. But, as their relationship progresses, she soon gains the upper hand while he finds himself in an unfamiliar position – groveling. She’s not your typical heroine, with her muscular physique, and it was a nice change from the norm.


Despite the push and pull of their relationship and the differencesin their stations, Tybalt and Agatha have chemistry that is otherworldly. The entire book could have just been them going at it, and I’d have yelled FIVE STARS! How about a hundred more pages of spice? YESSSS PLEASE!


Okay, so there was a lot more to the book than just the sexiness of Ty and Ag. There was the mystery of who Agatha’s father was and the grand scavenger hunt that finally led them to their answers. There was the disfunctionality of Tybalt’s family and how it coincided with the mystery. There is a great cast of well fleshed out characters, and I greatly enjoyed the entire ride.
Profile Image for Kat.
400 reviews79 followers
November 4, 2024
Well that was a wild read
Profile Image for Brooke Peterson.
112 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2024
The book was hard to put down!

There was a good heaping of spice right from the beginning and there was a good share of plot twists to keep you hooked!
Profile Image for Nilsa.
81 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2024
Tybalt and Agatha's journey was so erratic, mysterious and spicy! The mystery of why they had to work together to find the truth of each other's past was frustrating to the point that the mystery of it consumed me to figure out what the truth was. Bravo Kathleen!
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
619 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2024
“Conflict of Desire” is your classic love hate relationship that will have you totally hooked from the start. This dark romance explores the relationship between power and vulnerability, between suffering and resilience. A story of rebirth and resurrection, it captures two points of view and has BDSM elements. I was captivated from the first chapter!

Tybalt Wythe and Agatha first encounter was extremely passionate - she was seventeen. “He swiped his tongue along my lower lip and bid me open. When I did, he stormed my mouth, ravaging it confidently and mercilessly. His assault was hedonistic, unholy, and oh, so good. He claimed me completely ….” A steamy moment in time, never forgotten …. Thus began Agatha’s hopeless obsession with Tybalt Wythe. And thus began her search for her biological father.

Ten years latter, their paths cross again …. Agatha receives a phone call from Major General Ethan Walbrook, commander Thirty-fourth Infantry Division of the U.S. Army who served with Brigadier General Isaac Rumin, who commanded the Fifth Battalion, Twentieth Infantry Regiment. He advises her that Brigadier General Isaac Rumin has passed away and and that “I, Isaac Rumin, leave my house in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, the property surrounding it, and all the possessions therein to Agatha Tindale.” There are two wills, hers and un-named party, his primary next of kin.

After meeting with the lawyer, and still none the wiser, she makes the way to the house. Surprised to find out that Tybalt Wythe is the primary next of kin. He has changed …. bitter, twisted and enjoys degrading women … an alpha male bully! Or is this just a facade to protect himself? On the other hand, Agatha is quiet and mild mannered, until he pushes her one step too far!

They are forced to work together to discover the truth of why Isaac left the house to her. Tybalt dominates her physically in the bedroom, she gradually breaks the barriers down between them and they enjoy each other’s company. This book has so many twists and turns, that will keep you totally intrigued, so captivated that you will not be able to put the book down. Both are flawed in their own way, but together, they slowly bring out the best of each other - physically and emotionally. Will they find the answers they are looking for? Will the answers destroy or bring them closer? So many questions ….. will all be answered?

As per Kathleen’s previous books, she has excelled again. A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Tybalt and Agatha, hoping that everything will work out for them and they have a future together. This book will set your “lady bits” on fire. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Profile Image for neeshreads.
506 reviews25 followers
November 9, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5

This was my first ever book by Kathleen Haley and her background as an academic is clearly reflected in her prose, as this was a well-written novel with rich lexicon. The storyline was intriguing as two, essentially strangers are forced to come together like Holmes and Watson in order to investigate their pasts and solve their own mysteries that turn out to be inexplicably linked.

🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Grumpy x ☀️Sunshine
🖤Opposites Attract
🖤Alphahole MMC
🖤BDSM Elements
🖤Possessive MMC
🖤Family Secrets

Now, I had a serious love/hate relationship with Tybalt, the MMC, and for 90% of the novel, it was more hate than love. Tybalt is an INTENSE alphahole billionaire who feels that he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants because of his money, power, and status. Due to the fact he views himself more as a god than a man, he does not think about how his actions affect other people and at times, he aggravated me to no end because of that.

Agatha – sweet, sweet Agatha. Agatha is a humble, down-to-earth individual who has an intense meeting with Tybalt when she is 17, and she is love-struck from that point forward. Agatha and Tybalt meet again 10 years later, and I was dumbstruck at their second meeting. My thought process: “What in the world did I just walk in on?!” 🤣 My jaw was slack when Tybalt commanded that Agatha assist in his being pleasured, and then he referred to Agatha as “Backup,” and although a chortle escaped me, the shock factor was definitely achieved...while I simultaneously wanted to smack Tybalt.

When Tybalt and Agatha are forced to team up and work together to find the answers they seek, the lines blur in their relationship dynamic. I was SO happy when Agatha stood up for herself and Tybalt was forced to do some serious introspection on his road to redemption.
Profile Image for Caged Soul.
334 reviews13 followers
November 14, 2024
Have you ever read a book where you hate a character in beginning and then you slowly slowly started to like that.

For me it's.. Tybalt

He is an Alphahole and doesn't like to get ordered around. He is so massive with his ego. I really wanted to pat his back in some scenes with a hardcover book and that too with high force 😏😏

Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. 25
Spice 🌶. 5

Then we have Agatha. She is a sweet pea. She is so cozy and warm that she puts other's first

I love the story plot and the character development. The reality behind this dominating and short tempered guy was clearly shown in the book.

Agatha on the other hand thinks if she is good other's are good too. She was head over heels for him but everybody has a limit.

Tybalt was twisted and was out of her grasp and understanding. And when she was gone, he realises so many things.

I really loved that letters scene. When she saw the shoebox of letters. Each letter and the meaning behind it

How for the first time he saw everything with Agatha's POV.

So what can you expect from this book.

💙 Grumpy x Sunshine
💙 Alphahole MMC
💙 BDSM elements
💙 Family Secrets
💙 Opposite attracts

The book is a wild ride. And you'll love how the characters are developed. How Agatha changed.. I loved her new version who knows how to take stand for herself.

Go give it a read and you love it.
Profile Image for Annette V..
29 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2024
It’s an enemies to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, possessive MMC, and mystery.

This books reminded me of Fifty Shades of Gray, though I never read the books, I watched the movie. I disliked Tybalt for a majority of the book because of how he treated Agatha but there were moments were I liked him. He had some groveling to do, she made him work it. 👏🏻 👏🏻 Glad that his friend helped him realize that he actually loved her and she wasn’t just some “girl”. That would have been his lost because she’s amazing 🤩. I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. Interesting plot. She’s been in love with Tybalt for 10 years since she was 17 and he was her first kiss.

Agatha: She’s different than most girls, she doesn’t wear makeup, she isn’t rich. She’s kind, caring and loves too hard.


Tybalt Wythe: I don’t know how to feel about him, at times he’s sweet but most of the time he makes me mad for how he treats Agatha.
He likes to be in control, and have power over others.

Tropes:
💚 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Opposites Attract
💚 Forced Proximity
🖤 Possessive MMC
💚 Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤 BDSM

“F*** Dad. And f*** Mariana Aldrich. F*** the photographers. And f*** Isaac. I’m sick of being forced to do things. If I want to be seen in public with you, I will. If I want to kiss you right now, I will.”
Profile Image for Elizabeth W.
154 reviews9 followers
November 1, 2024
Agatha meets a mysterious stranger at her mother's art gallery. He steals a kiss and then abruptly walks away. Still 6 years later, Agatha can't get that man or his kiss out of her mind. It doesn't help that he happens to be a famous celebrity and his face is all over every magazine. Agatha should know, she has quite the collection.

When Agatha gets a call saying that some man she never knew left her a house, she's intrigued. Agatha decides to go and figure out why he left her the house and what other hidden secrets might be there. She even agrees to cohabitate the place with someone else. Little does Agatha know, that person is the man she's been obsessing over...

Tybalt is your typical playboy. He doesn't really let any woman close. He uses them for sex and to tick his dad off. He really is a use them and lose them kind of guy. Tybalt finds out that his late mentor left him his house, but he has to share. He is not pleased, but decides to go along with it. Tybalt is looking for hidden secrets and nothing is going to derail him. When that other person ends up being Agatha, he's quite surprised.

Will Agatha be able to crack his outer shell and reach the man inside?
Will Tybalt figure out how to trust someone before it's too late?

You will have to read it to find out
Profile Image for reader. kore.
214 reviews17 followers
November 6, 2024
One thing I do when I start a Kathleen Haley book- is take a deep breath. It is because she delivers more than what is on the surface. Conflict of Desires was no different- it is gripping, intense and filled with raw, achy emotions that captivates you till the last page and leaves you unsettled.

Tybalt and Agatha are two polar opposites with intense chemistry. I am left a believer that every Tybalt needs his Agatha. You cannot change my mind. The characters are layered, flawed and you can taste the palpable desire, regrets and secrets that are present between the gaps of their two bodies. Talking about gaps, there is not much of it when they get it on, burning everyone in a close mile radius with their sexual chemistry. And the way Haley writes, you can count on smooth and vivid imagery balanced with sharp, emotional dialogue that hits the spot.

Honestly, won’t drag it far- it’s a five-star gem for anyone who loves character-driven narratives that explore the gray areas of relationships and personal struggles. Grab this book if you’re ready to lose yourself in a rollercoaster of emotions and confused at the same time as to why you are horny! Solid, hot read for those chilly November days.

Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,485 reviews44 followers
November 11, 2024
Prince and the pauper

Wow, what a wild ride.

A lifetime worth of secrets bring together an unlikely duo. In a plan organized by one man to have secrets uncovered he also brought together two of his favorite people in hopes that they could balance each other.

So many moving parts in this story that required the full knowledge of several people in order to finally get the answers to all the burning questions.

Agatha is an out of work set designer who has been staying with her friend. When she gets a random call that says she has been left a house in a will for a man she doesn't know. Having nothing holding her down she jumps to see what she can discover about this house and the man who left it to her. She could not have been prepared to run into a man she had been obsessed about for the last 10 years.

Tybalt doesn't trust people and has been finding ways to rebel against his father since he was young. When he finds himself in possession of the home to a friend and someone who was required to hid from his father he finally thinks he might be able to get ahead. However, nothing could have prepared him for the storm known as Agatha.

They say opposites attract and these two couldn't be more different.
Profile Image for Sarah Viljoen.
26 reviews
October 5, 2024
In the beginning it was a bit slow and drawn out, but when the story behind the story began, I was truly amazed.

Agatha, and Tybalt’s story has been written in a way that makes you wonder if they will ever be something more than just a dream.

He’s ruthless and mean, with really bad attitude towards women. It’s grated me but also made me understand the point of why he was being that way. His ruthless nature and how he was treated as a young boy and that created a mean tempered man.

Agatha, she is flighty and sees the world through rose coloured glasses, she had her struggles as well, coming from a different background to Tybalt, she swooned over him for years. He knight in shining armour but he was also mean and twisted towards her. She took it, until she just couldn’t anymore.

Tybalt changed when Agatha left. His demeanour changed and his reality of the situation changed with it.

I loved the twists and turns the playfulness and head strong views of both characters. Loved reading their journey through everything.

Another brilliant story from an amazing author. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Sami Miz.
341 reviews9 followers
November 11, 2024
3.5/5 Stars

Quick Summary: Tybalt is a billionaire alphahole that doesn't like to be told what to do. Agatha "Earth Girl" is a sweet down to earth women who likes to think of others before herself. In this steamy, hot book, Tybalt and Agatha are forced to work together to unravel a mystery.

What I really enjoyed in this book was Tybalt and Agatha's relationship. This relationship features some BDSM features with Tybalt being dominating and overbearing when him and Agatha move in together. The scenes are spicy and make you wanting more. I did enjoy how this book got resolved and I enjoyed the character growth of Tybalt. Tybalt has such a hard history which explains why he acts the way he does. It was great to see how he started to soften up throughout the book and started to become obsessed with Agatha. Reading about them was a joy and I just kept wanting more.

What I didn't enjoy was I felt like the ending was a bit too rushed at the end. Some parts felt confusing, slow and repetitive and that disruptive the plot sometimes. When it was slow it was hard to keep up with the story, but I'm so happy about how it wrapped up in the end. I really enjoyed the mystery that Agatha and Tybalt had to solve together.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. This book is for you if you are a fan of books with BDSM components, billionaire alphaholes, forced proximity and enemies to lovers.

Thank you Kathleen Haley for sending me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm excited to read more of your books!
Profile Image for Wardina Bee.
30 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2024
Tybalt and Agatha's dynamic had my heart racing with every page. I felt so connected to Agatha, like I was right there living her story. She's such an incredible character -strong, brave, and unshakable. Even in moments that had me in tears, she stood tall and didn't back down. I admire her so much.

The BDSM aspect was everything I love. It was written so perfectly, I couldn't get enough of it.

This wasn't just a light read. For me, it was deeply psychological and had layers that made me think and feel on a whole different level. Books like this are the ones I cherish the most-the ones that linger long after you turn the last page.

And the ending? It was absolutely perfect. After everything Tybalt and Agatha went through, the way it all came together left me feeling so happy and content. It was the kind of ending that made my heart full.

This story is unforgettable, filled with characters and emotions that completely pulled me in. It's a book I'll always come back to.
12 reviews
October 13, 2024
This is book wrapped me in emotional manacles. The torment of daily struggles - finances, job hunting, homelessness - almost culminating into hopelessness - topped with obsessive desire and lust of someone seemingly untouchable. Throughout these challenges the female protagonist is forced to persist and remains resilient. In contrast, the male protagonist is enamored with himself and perceives himself as flawless and better than those he perceives as worthy of him and his time. Thrown together like castaways in a storm, both characters are required to interact with each other.

Fraught with mystery, suspense, desire and lust, this tenuous situation creates the opportunity for introspection and honesty, which is the ultimate source of the answers to questions which have been previously shrouded in the veil of the unknown. This novel is definite must read!
Profile Image for Flippenpageswithlisa  . .
142 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2024
Thank you Kathleen it's always a privilege to get a arc from you, and I always enjoy going into your books semi blind, general enemies to lovers but finer details I like to be surprised amd you do that so damn well.

Please check triggers...

We have a billionaire plot with some BDSM, family secrets, add in grumpy sunshine and enemies to lovers, and already, you got a winner.

Moat of the book I wanted to junk punch  tybalt but at the same time wanted him to spank me, he is the definition of sexy alphahole with all the BDE, and the goods to back it up.

Our MMC is possessive, dominant, and brooding, while Agatha is strong, intelligent, and just scraping by in life. She totally captivates tybalt.

You want them to get their HEA, and the journey you take with them is emotional, full of just and loathing while adding an element of mystery.

Definitely recommend..
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