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Gilded Decadence #5
Unwillingly His
The moment I slapped Lucian Manwarring, I knew I had just declared war.
He may be the billionaire patriarch of the powerful Manwarring family, with a reputation for getting everything he wants, but I’m not going to be his latest conquest.
He stole my entire inheritance and expects me to just fall in line, to be the obedient bride he can mold into his perfect trophy wife. But he has no idea who he’s dealing with.
I’m not some meek, submissive girl ready to be controlled by an older man, even if he is commanding and handsome.
I’m stubborn, outspoken, and ready to fight for my freedom.
I won’t be forced down the aisle, no matter how much power he wields or how determined he is to make me his possession.
Lucian isn’t used to defiance.
He’s used to getting his way, and he seems amused by my resistance—at first.
But I see the darkness in his eyes, the ruthless determination that tells me he’s not going to stop until he breaks me.
But I won’t let him.
I’ll fight him every step of the way, even if it means risking everything to defy him.
Enter the seductive and treacherous world of New York’s high society, where scandalous secrets and dangerous desires are guarded closely, in this dark romance by USAT Bestselling authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley.
He may be the billionaire patriarch of the powerful Manwarring family, with a reputation for getting everything he wants, but I’m not going to be his latest conquest.
He stole my entire inheritance and expects me to just fall in line, to be the obedient bride he can mold into his perfect trophy wife. But he has no idea who he’s dealing with.
I’m not some meek, submissive girl ready to be controlled by an older man, even if he is commanding and handsome.
I’m stubborn, outspoken, and ready to fight for my freedom.
I won’t be forced down the aisle, no matter how much power he wields or how determined he is to make me his possession.
Lucian isn’t used to defiance.
He’s used to getting his way, and he seems amused by my resistance—at first.
But I see the darkness in his eyes, the ruthless determination that tells me he’s not going to stop until he breaks me.
But I won’t let him.
I’ll fight him every step of the way, even if it means risking everything to defy him.
Enter the seductive and treacherous world of New York’s high society, where scandalous secrets and dangerous desires are guarded closely, in this dark romance by USAT Bestselling authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2024
About the author
Zoe Blake
105 books3,294 followersZoe Blake is a USA Today Bestselling author of dark romance inspired by her obsession with Gothic literature and the salacious gossip of history’s most infamous families. She delights in writing deliciously decadent books filled with possessive men, forbidden desire, and drama.
When not crafting tales of aristocratic scandal, she can usually be found spending her ill-gotten gains on martinis and travel. Since she can barely boil water, she’s lucky enough to be married to a sexy Chef.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks
When not crafting tales of aristocratic scandal, she can usually be found spending her ill-gotten gains on martinis and travel. Since she can barely boil water, she’s lucky enough to be married to a sexy Chef.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
June 10, 2024
Arrogant tycoon in a TABOO AGE GAP romance with a stubborn heiress 🖤👛 he will absolutely bulldoze any objections and make her his wife!
Lucian Manwarring Sr. aka Papa Manwarring has decided to take a wife because his adult children are too rebellious & he needs a new brood. This man has no time to waste and snatches up little ol’ Stella when she conveniently lands in his lap. The taboo age gap between these two was exquisite 🌶️
Lucian aka Big Daddy Business 📈☕️▪️⌚️♟️
🖤 ruthless businessman
🖤 best friend’s dad
🖤 will take off his belt & spank you
🖤 certified DILF!!
🖤 penchant for no. 69
Stella 🎀👛🎟️
💗 extraordinarily beautiful
💗 good girl heiress
💗 naturally submissive
💗 will slash your pillows
💗 has a thing for older men!
“I want a king. I want a man who rules over a vast kingdom with an iron fist. The kind of man who takes what he wants and doesn’t suffer fools.”
The way I was FEENING FOR PAPA MANWARRING! I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book since Lucian Sr. appeared in the series and this story did not disappoint ♣️ Previously we only saw Lucian as an emotionless patriarch with sole focus on business but now he is an obsessed puppy who can’t think straight when Stella is near by ✔️ and I’m living for it!! There is something about an experienced man with money and power that is so intoxicating….i guess I’m into older men now
“Last chance, tell me you want it. I’ll be gentle and teach you how to ride my cock like a good little girl. Or lie to me, and I’ll fuck you like a bad girl. Which will it be?”
THE SPICE was really spicing for me personally 🌶️🌶️ the age gap was just so perfectly taboo (without her being 18!) but it was the dom/sub interactions that brought the temperature up to sizzling!! Lucian is such a huge authority figure it makes him an incredible pleasure Dom 📿 SIR, YES, SIR!
Favorite moment: anal in the stables 🖤🐎 *I will not provide further context*
forced proximity
age gap (26f and 46m)
possessive mmc
virgin fmc
spanking
body betrayal
🍑🍑
HEA
Thank you to the authors for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Lucian Manwarring Sr. aka Papa Manwarring has decided to take a wife because his adult children are too rebellious & he needs a new brood. This man has no time to waste and snatches up little ol’ Stella when she conveniently lands in his lap. The taboo age gap between these two was exquisite 🌶️
Lucian aka Big Daddy Business 📈☕️▪️⌚️♟️
🖤 ruthless businessman
🖤 best friend’s dad
🖤 will take off his belt & spank you
🖤 certified DILF!!
🖤 penchant for no. 69
Stella 🎀👛🎟️
💗 extraordinarily beautiful
💗 good girl heiress
💗 naturally submissive
💗 will slash your pillows
💗 has a thing for older men!
“I want a king. I want a man who rules over a vast kingdom with an iron fist. The kind of man who takes what he wants and doesn’t suffer fools.”
The way I was FEENING FOR PAPA MANWARRING! I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book since Lucian Sr. appeared in the series and this story did not disappoint ♣️ Previously we only saw Lucian as an emotionless patriarch with sole focus on business but now he is an obsessed puppy who can’t think straight when Stella is near by ✔️ and I’m living for it!! There is something about an experienced man with money and power that is so intoxicating….i guess I’m into older men now
“Last chance, tell me you want it. I’ll be gentle and teach you how to ride my cock like a good little girl. Or lie to me, and I’ll fuck you like a bad girl. Which will it be?”
THE SPICE was really spicing for me personally 🌶️🌶️ the age gap was just so perfectly taboo (without her being 18!) but it was the dom/sub interactions that brought the temperature up to sizzling!! Lucian is such a huge authority figure it makes him an incredible pleasure Dom 📿 SIR, YES, SIR!
Favorite moment: anal in the stables 🖤🐎 *I will not provide further context*
forced proximity
age gap (26f and 46m)
possessive mmc
virgin fmc
spanking
body betrayal
🍑🍑
HEA
Thank you to the authors for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 15, 2025
3.5✨ (rounded to 4 for GR)
3🌶️
In the Gilded Decadence series, Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley continue to be a powerhouse duo in the erotic-romance genre, combining unrepentant, controlling, alpha men, dark, kinky spice, and just enough touches of romance to make everything feel both naughty AND nice in the end.
🩵Age gap (like ~20 years?)
🩵 Power imbalance (financial, etc)
🩵Dad's former friend
🩵Daddy/LG
🩵Emotional trauma-induced complete makeover montage by FMC
🩵Kinky spice (punishments, spanking, etc)
Unwillingly His is the 5th installment of the series, which finally features the man himself, Lucian Manwarring, big daddy of the Manwarring family. He's tired of seeing his children fall victim to love one by one, shifting their loyalties to their new families, and messing up his legacy. Lucian simply needs to... start over. And he finds the perfect victim, er excuse me, woman.
Stella has pretty much lost everything, making her the perfect target, er excuse me, woman for the job. It doesn't hurt that she has a bit of a feisty side, one Lucian is only too eager to indulge. Turns out, Stella has a good reason to be feisty - after her parents' deaths, their will gives control over her inheritance not to her, but to... Lucian Manwarring.
This leads to a book-long back-and-forth between Stella and Lucian, the former trying to escape his clutches, and the latter forcing her down the aisle to trophy wife life. But no matter what Stella does, Lucian isn't giving up, and the two begin to see another side of their relationship, one that isn't just built on power imbalance, but trust and care.
Obviously, the spice in this is right up my alley and absolutely well done as per usual. I said it before, but Blake and Hensley really are a match made in dark romance paradise.
However, I feel this entry, compared to some of the other ones, was less romantic overall. The MCs had insane physical and sexual chemistry of course, but in terms of their romance and development and reveal of romantic feelings, the pacing just felt off for me, as well as my depth of belief. With books like these that have a pleasure and pain type of spice (ex: spankings), I also love to see the romance match that in level. And it just felt slightly imbalanced here. I'm wondering if this may be because having the power imbalance be so vast so early on, it might have made it harder to get over by the end.
I hope to see soooooooooo many more books by Blake and Hensley. I cannot wait to continue this series!
3🌶️
In the Gilded Decadence series, Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley continue to be a powerhouse duo in the erotic-romance genre, combining unrepentant, controlling, alpha men, dark, kinky spice, and just enough touches of romance to make everything feel both naughty AND nice in the end.
🩵Age gap (like ~20 years?)
🩵 Power imbalance (financial, etc)
🩵Dad's former friend
🩵Daddy/LG
🩵Emotional trauma-induced complete makeover montage by FMC
🩵Kinky spice (punishments, spanking, etc)
Unwillingly His is the 5th installment of the series, which finally features the man himself, Lucian Manwarring, big daddy of the Manwarring family. He's tired of seeing his children fall victim to love one by one, shifting their loyalties to their new families, and messing up his legacy. Lucian simply needs to... start over. And he finds the perfect victim, er excuse me, woman.
Stella has pretty much lost everything, making her the perfect target, er excuse me, woman for the job. It doesn't hurt that she has a bit of a feisty side, one Lucian is only too eager to indulge. Turns out, Stella has a good reason to be feisty - after her parents' deaths, their will gives control over her inheritance not to her, but to... Lucian Manwarring.
This leads to a book-long back-and-forth between Stella and Lucian, the former trying to escape his clutches, and the latter forcing her down the aisle to trophy wife life. But no matter what Stella does, Lucian isn't giving up, and the two begin to see another side of their relationship, one that isn't just built on power imbalance, but trust and care.
Obviously, the spice in this is right up my alley and absolutely well done as per usual. I said it before, but Blake and Hensley really are a match made in dark romance paradise.
However, I feel this entry, compared to some of the other ones, was less romantic overall. The MCs had insane physical and sexual chemistry of course, but in terms of their romance and development and reveal of romantic feelings, the pacing just felt off for me, as well as my depth of belief. With books like these that have a pleasure and pain type of spice (ex: spankings), I also love to see the romance match that in level. And it just felt slightly imbalanced here. I'm wondering if this may be because having the power imbalance be so vast so early on, it might have made it harder to get over by the end.
I hope to see soooooooooo many more books by Blake and Hensley. I cannot wait to continue this series!
June 15, 2024
3.5⭐️I was shocked reading this book because you know me, I hated... HATED the dad Lician because of how he treated his children in their books. And I was ehh on his story. And I was still, eh? But was surprised on the 360 on his character.
He is taking over being the ward of Stella bff to his daughters. And it's sorta wired because I don't think we saw stella in the books or I just don't remember her. And Luc has all control over everything. From cards to homes and he makes sure all is cut off so she can depend on him. He has a plan to make her marry him. For what reason? I was confused since he said one thing, and once we got near the end, it changed?
Stella she was a kitten with claws she slapped and gave all she got, but when he would eat or screw her, she was smitten. Even during punishments, she gave in very fast. There were a lot of Spankings and making her submit. This goes on, and then BOOM, he changes when she's all perfect tropy wife and changes into a more free spirit wild girl. His whole mood changes. I still think his kids shouldn't forgive him.
Why is Mary still alive? Why is she invited to anything or anyone's weddings? Why hasn't she been killed off.. book 6 is coming, and I can't remember another of her daughters
No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, Virgin gal no mamwhore
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Age gap
26h/46H
Push away from both
Punishments
Spankings
Tiny Degradation
Forced orgasm
Anal
Dubcon
Praise kink
No condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
He is taking over being the ward of Stella bff to his daughters. And it's sorta wired because I don't think we saw stella in the books or I just don't remember her. And Luc has all control over everything. From cards to homes and he makes sure all is cut off so she can depend on him. He has a plan to make her marry him. For what reason? I was confused since he said one thing, and once we got near the end, it changed?
Stella she was a kitten with claws she slapped and gave all she got, but when he would eat or screw her, she was smitten. Even during punishments, she gave in very fast. There were a lot of Spankings and making her submit. This goes on, and then BOOM, he changes when she's all perfect tropy wife and changes into a more free spirit wild girl. His whole mood changes. I still think his kids shouldn't forgive him.
Why is Mary still alive? Why is she invited to anything or anyone's weddings? Why hasn't she been killed off.. book 6 is coming, and I can't remember another of her daughters
No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, Virgin gal no mamwhore
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Age gap
26h/46H
Push away from both
Punishments
Spankings
Tiny Degradation
Forced orgasm
Anal
Dubcon
Praise kink
No condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
July 25, 2025
quick and dirty 🤭 ending felt abrupt but looking forward to the next book
June 15, 2024
so disappointed
I pre-ordered this book and was so looking forward to reading Lucian Senior’s story. He was deliciously heartless and had so much potential. Instead, his actions were inconsistent and ineffectual. Even his reconciliation with/explanation to the heroine made no sense in light of his previous actions. It also undermined how brilliantly strategic and business savvy he was supposed to be. He was also possibly the least ruthless of the heroes in this series in his treatment of his heroine, which was crazy because he was supposed to be such a villain. Stella made a little more sense, but she didn’t have as much grit and moxie as most of the other heroines in this series. There was no real advancement of the over-arching plot of their series. It was all just so lukewarm and disappointing. If this book weren’t authored in part by Zoe Blake, I would not have finished it. I kept hoping it would get better, but it never did.
I pre-ordered this book and was so looking forward to reading Lucian Senior’s story. He was deliciously heartless and had so much potential. Instead, his actions were inconsistent and ineffectual. Even his reconciliation with/explanation to the heroine made no sense in light of his previous actions. It also undermined how brilliantly strategic and business savvy he was supposed to be. He was also possibly the least ruthless of the heroes in this series in his treatment of his heroine, which was crazy because he was supposed to be such a villain. Stella made a little more sense, but she didn’t have as much grit and moxie as most of the other heroines in this series. There was no real advancement of the over-arching plot of their series. It was all just so lukewarm and disappointing. If this book weren’t authored in part by Zoe Blake, I would not have finished it. I kept hoping it would get better, but it never did.
June 23, 2024
I didn’t mind the plot holes 😂
June 20, 2024
Super hot read!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1\2
Trope: taboo: ward/guardian
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Another super hot read in the Gilded Decadence series by Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley. We knew this one was going to be a doozy since Lucian Manwarring was NOT a good guy in the previous books, but I was still not prepared for his level of depravity, lol. If you're a fan of getting your boundaries pushed, a hero with no line he won't cross, and lots of dubcon, then this is definitely the book for you! Can't wait to read the next one!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1\2
Trope: taboo: ward/guardian
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Another super hot read in the Gilded Decadence series by Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley. We knew this one was going to be a doozy since Lucian Manwarring was NOT a good guy in the previous books, but I was still not prepared for his level of depravity, lol. If you're a fan of getting your boundaries pushed, a hero with no line he won't cross, and lots of dubcon, then this is definitely the book for you! Can't wait to read the next one!
June 10, 2024
I liked this one way more than the last installment. You could feel the chemistry between them for sure. Very sexy times between them. Just the right amount of everything. For powerful people they sure haven’t shut down Mary Astrid. The next one looks like it is going to be dark.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2024
No thought just vibes🙂↕️
July 9, 2024
No estoy sorprendida.
August 26, 2024
3.5 stars!
RTC
RTC
June 9, 2024
Lucian Sr … 🥵 🥵 🥵
Age gap , daddy / baby girl vibes … light spanking / punishment … she is 26 , he is 20 years her senior . Her mind fights him at every single twist and turn , her body yearns for him …. She looses her family in an accident , he becomes the executor of her estate … , Can Stella put up w him for another 3 years or will everything go left . It’s book 5 and absolutely delicious!!!
Age gap , daddy / baby girl vibes … light spanking / punishment … she is 26 , he is 20 years her senior . Her mind fights him at every single twist and turn , her body yearns for him …. She looses her family in an accident , he becomes the executor of her estate … , Can Stella put up w him for another 3 years or will everything go left . It’s book 5 and absolutely delicious!!!
June 10, 2024
Dark and decadent.
This was another great instalment in the Gilded Decadence series. I was very interested to get the patriarch of the Manwarring family's story. Lucian has been extremely unlikeable in the previous books, and certainly continued in this vein in 'Unwillingly His'. His behaviour towards Stella was ruthless and cruel following the tragic death of her parents. He dominated and took from her, without revealing his true intentions, however she also discovered desire and pleasure at his touch. It is a surprise when Lucian reveals his feelings to Stella, but also a lovely moment of softness. There are many delicious steamy scenes between the lovers, lots of tension and intrigue, cameos from other characters from the series, and the introduction of a previously unknown member of the Manwarring family. Book 6 certainly looks like it's going to be a good one - can't wait for the conclusion to this series in 'Sinfully His'!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was another great instalment in the Gilded Decadence series. I was very interested to get the patriarch of the Manwarring family's story. Lucian has been extremely unlikeable in the previous books, and certainly continued in this vein in 'Unwillingly His'. His behaviour towards Stella was ruthless and cruel following the tragic death of her parents. He dominated and took from her, without revealing his true intentions, however she also discovered desire and pleasure at his touch. It is a surprise when Lucian reveals his feelings to Stella, but also a lovely moment of softness. There are many delicious steamy scenes between the lovers, lots of tension and intrigue, cameos from other characters from the series, and the introduction of a previously unknown member of the Manwarring family. Book 6 certainly looks like it's going to be a good one - can't wait for the conclusion to this series in 'Sinfully His'!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2024
Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley, two of my favorite authors, have created a phenomenal dark romance billionaire series. The MMCs are wealthy, elite, dangerous, and OTT/JP. Each interconnected standalone book is equally if not better than the next, with Book 5, “Unwillingly His, as the upcoming release. The Blake Hensley duo brings it with a dad’s best friend with a guardian/ward blended trope to make it even more forbidden.
After Stella loses her parents, she loses everything else, too. Lucian takes control of her inheritance and is determined to make her his wife.
The thing about the men in The Gilded Decadence Series is that they all end up being quite humbled by the women at some point; that is, the women put them in their place. I have to say I love that so much. All the spice scenes are pretty hot, and readers can expect Lucian to appear dominant in most scenes.
I’m looking forward to the next installment!
After Stella loses her parents, she loses everything else, too. Lucian takes control of her inheritance and is determined to make her his wife.
The thing about the men in The Gilded Decadence Series is that they all end up being quite humbled by the women at some point; that is, the women put them in their place. I have to say I love that so much. All the spice scenes are pretty hot, and readers can expect Lucian to appear dominant in most scenes.
I’m looking forward to the next installment!
June 12, 2024
Although you can read it as a standalone, I feel like I would have had a much better understand of the multitude of side characters had I read the previous books. They were a bit distracting.
Stella was in a car crash that killed her parents. Her father never changed his will and left Lucian Manwarring in charge of her entire estate until she's 29 or married. It's the 1800s all over again. She's a 26 year old grown woman but we don't care about that. Lucian is an asshole for over half the book. I know it was supposed to come across as a daddy/brat relationship, but he was overly cruel considering she'd just lost both of her parents, all of her assets and her independence in one fell swoop. Then around 70% in, he makes a 180 and realizes what an asshole he was. It was rather abrupt. She'd been crying and upset the entire book but now all of a sudden he cares about her tears? Right... Now he's all in caring about her and wanting a real relationship.
There's a cliffhanger introducing the long lost son Thomas's story. There's no resolution for the events that take place at the end with Lucian and Stella so I'm guessing this next book will pick that up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stella was in a car crash that killed her parents. Her father never changed his will and left Lucian Manwarring in charge of her entire estate until she's 29 or married. It's the 1800s all over again. She's a 26 year old grown woman but we don't care about that. Lucian is an asshole for over half the book. I know it was supposed to come across as a daddy/brat relationship, but he was overly cruel considering she'd just lost both of her parents, all of her assets and her independence in one fell swoop. Then around 70% in, he makes a 180 and realizes what an asshole he was. It was rather abrupt. She'd been crying and upset the entire book but now all of a sudden he cares about her tears? Right... Now he's all in caring about her and wanting a real relationship.
There's a cliffhanger introducing the long lost son Thomas's story. There's no resolution for the events that take place at the end with Lucian and Stella so I'm guessing this next book will pick that up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2024
"Unwillingly His" by Zoe Blake is a masterful blend of romance, tension, and passion that kept me hooked from the first page to the last. Zoe Blake's storytelling prowess shines through in this captivating tale of forbidden attraction and undeniable chemistry.
The characters are richly developed, with a dynamic and intense relationship that is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. The plot is expertly paced, weaving in unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Blake's descriptive writing style makes the scenes vivid and the emotions palpable, drawing you deep into the world she has created.
If you're a fan of dark romance with strong, compelling characters and a plot that refuses to let you go, "Unwillingly His" is a must-read. Zoe Blake has crafted a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Highly recommended!
June 9, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Lucian Manwarring Sr. decided that it was time to take a wife again. Stella lost her parents to a horrible car accident a few months ago and now Lucian stole all of her inheritance, apparently her father stated him the trustee of her inheritance if she wasn’t married at the moment of his death until she turned twenty nine years. Lucian is determined to control Stella and make her his wife. Of course, Stella is furious and wouldn’t give in so easily. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an age gap, billionaire romance then you’re going to love it.
Lucian Manwarring Sr. decided that it was time to take a wife again. Stella lost her parents to a horrible car accident a few months ago and now Lucian stole all of her inheritance, apparently her father stated him the trustee of her inheritance if she wasn’t married at the moment of his death until she turned twenty nine years. Lucian is determined to control Stella and make her his wife. Of course, Stella is furious and wouldn’t give in so easily. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an age gap, billionaire romance then you’re going to love it.
June 10, 2024
Lucian Sr and Stella's book was fully of steam and anger. Not usually a fan of big age gaps like this but this was done well and didn't feel creepy. I liked Stella as a character, she was fiesty
I would have preferred Lucian Sr's backstory with his first wife to have been explained more in this book. I was looking forward to that so it'd explain how he was with his children. Also i would have preferred Stella's part in the third act (no spoilers) to be developed further, there was a lot left in the air. But it might be explained in the next book which i cant wait for. This series has been truly delightful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would have preferred Lucian Sr's backstory with his first wife to have been explained more in this book. I was looking forward to that so it'd explain how he was with his children. Also i would have preferred Stella's part in the third act (no spoilers) to be developed further, there was a lot left in the air. But it might be explained in the next book which i cant wait for. This series has been truly delightful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2024
Lucian and Stella’s story is a little twisted, but a love story none the less.
Even that Lucian is dominant, a little harsh in his demands, eager to punish her ….
During the series, I disliked him. A lot.
But reading the blurb of this book, I was sure that Alta & Zoe will make me like him!
And they really did! Becouse his behaviour had some reasons behind, and not all are like it seems.
And Lucian falling for Stella is something to behold.
So now I’m left with one person to hate - Mary Quinn. She prove to be more and more evil.
But…. the epilogue presented Thomas, and I want him to take his revenge on her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Even that Lucian is dominant, a little harsh in his demands, eager to punish her ….
During the series, I disliked him. A lot.
But reading the blurb of this book, I was sure that Alta & Zoe will make me like him!
And they really did! Becouse his behaviour had some reasons behind, and not all are like it seems.
And Lucian falling for Stella is something to behold.
So now I’m left with one person to hate - Mary Quinn. She prove to be more and more evil.
But…. the epilogue presented Thomas, and I want him to take his revenge on her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2024
He’s in Control of Everything
Stella lost her parents in an icy crash that almost took her as well. But that wasn’t the worst, her father named Lucian Manwarring executor of her estate and trust fund. He controls everything and he wants more. He wants her as his wife. Will she fight or give in to the decadent feelings he pulls from her body and soul.
Stella lost her parents in an icy crash that almost took her as well. But that wasn’t the worst, her father named Lucian Manwarring executor of her estate and trust fund. He controls everything and he wants more. He wants her as his wife. Will she fight or give in to the decadent feelings he pulls from her body and soul.
June 10, 2024
This was so good…
Billionaire Lucian Manwarring is used to getting what he wants and he wants Stella. As much as she tries to resist her attraction to the overbearing tyrant, the heart wants what the heart wants…I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Billionaire Lucian Manwarring is used to getting what he wants and he wants Stella. As much as she tries to resist her attraction to the overbearing tyrant, the heart wants what the heart wants…I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
July 11, 2024
Truly enjoy this author's way of writing a tale! So loved this one!
June 13, 2024
worth the wait!! the age-gap is woooow ✨🫢😍
spicy! delicious!! cant for yall to read it
thank you for the arc 💕
spicy! delicious!! cant for yall to read it
thank you for the arc 💕
December 7, 2024
5 ⭐
I am sucker a for a good age gap romance and oh boy this was a delicious and very entertaining read!!
I am sucker a for a good age gap romance and oh boy this was a delicious and very entertaining read!!
June 20, 2024
Unwillingly His is the fifth book in the Glided Decadence series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. This book is interconnected with characters from the previous books stopping by that enhances the story. A fast paced, thrilling and gripping read. Dirty. Compelling. Twisted. Hang on to your kindle and make sure that you can clear your schedule for this sexy and tantalizing story. An absorbing addicting and unputdownable story. A brilliantly written story with complex characters and a twisty storyline that captures the reader of attention from the start and keeps you riveted and turning the pages. Dive into the seductive world of dark romance featuring New York's high society as they navigate treacherous schemes and guard their scandalous desires, expertly woven by the queens of spice and steam USA bestselling authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley. This is Stella and Lucian story which is told from a dual point of view.
A millionaire & billionaire romance, age gap trope story, taboo romance, forbidden romance, contemporary romance, off-limits romance, forced proximity romance, forced marriage romance, hate-to-love vibes story,
enemies-to-lovers romance, virgin heroine story, marriage of convenience romance, OTT alpha hero romance, dark romance, romantic suspense story with dominance, submission, intense rough sex, dirty talking, spanking, lies, steam, drama, blackmail, angst, anger, sex and sin, Non-Con, secrets, emotions, passion, tension, power and control, deception, losses, threats, discipline/punishment, redemption, grief, trauma, revelation, greed, acceptance, survival, resilience, fear, throat play, enemy, Dub-Con, obsession, possessiveness, pawn, cruelty and love.
Lucian Manwarring was the foreboding patriarch of the powerful and rich Manwarring family. His exploits in business were famous or rather infamous. His billion-dollar whiskey empire was built on the incinerated remains of countless other men and businesses. He's the devil in an Armani suit. A corporate raider with the morals of a marauding barbarian hoard. He was a feared, begrudged, and criticized. When crossed he didn't get mad, he got even and I mean scorched earth even. Stella Deiderich is a twenty-six year old heiress of the Diedrich empire. She's sassy, beautiful, intelligent, and fierce. She had always known what was expected of her so she kept herself pure because she knows that getting married to the family with pedigree like hers would open doors and connections. Wallace Oliver Deiderich and Lucian Manwarring were sworn enemies. They were once the best of friends in college but something happened and severed their friendship. Stella and her parents went to her good friend Charlotte Manwarring wedding and lost their lives going home and Stella was also fighting for her life because the chauffeur decided to have a drink on the job and lose control on the icy New York City road on New Years and revocable destroyed her life and changed the trajectory of her life.
Stella's dad loathe Lucian with a burning passion, and that was why it was baffling to her why he would name Lucian Manwarring as trustee over her inheritance in the event of his death. Her father both hated and feared him. Lucian had took numerous companies and investments from him, significantly reducing him of not only his fortune but his influence and he doesn't have any qualms about his action. He saw Wallace as an idiot who didn't know how to manage the companies and had run them into the ground. The outside world and Lucian's peer may have perceived his actions as the worst type of corporate greed, but only him knows the truth. Over five thousand people to close to thirty-five hundred families, and four entire towns in the Midwest would have been eviscerated with unemployment, debt, bankruptcy when his factories eventually closed due to mismanagement had he not stepped in. Wallace and Lucian were friends in their college years and he had listed Lucian as the executor of his estate and trustee of Stella's fortune in event something should happen to him or mother. But he never updated his will even after their friendship ended an oversight on his part. And now Lucian would use it to his advantage. He believes that all of his children or acting up and is constantly in news drawing attention to the family name.
He has some plans and on order for it to go through we will need to get married not for anything physical someone who will be a trophy wife and Stella fits the bill just as soon as he provides her with some discipline for slapping him in court and drawing the press to him. His children are always in the press and now it was his turn. Lucian was a unethical, ruthless, calculated and evil bastard. Stella got caught his cross hairs and now she belonged to him. He needed an obedient wife with connections and breeding, and her fortune certainly helped as well. She would bear the next brood of Manwarring sons. He hoping that she would give him children that would obey unlike his other children's. He knows that it would challenging at first because of her age. He would preferred a more mature woman. Since the accident she had been so cold as if frozen on the inside out. But the moment his lips touches her it was unholy fire ignite in my veins. Sitting by the fire or drinking steaming up of coffee brought her no warmth from the in her body until his unwanted kiss. His touch was the only thing that had managed to crack the rigid layer around her core. A chilling fog had crept over every corner of her life the death of her parents and regardless of the many layers that she wears or how high she turned up the heat she was frozen inside. Lucian was cruel, vile, monstrous and evil towards Stella for no reasons and his greed for power and total dominance knows no bound. His plans for her inheritance was nefarious and he project Oliver as a bad businessman but yet even in death his portfolio continued to grew. He had zero regards to Stella as she mourns her parents instead he only made her life a living hell. I would say that I enjoyed this book but I would be lying I couldn't even finish it. It was the worst of the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A millionaire & billionaire romance, age gap trope story, taboo romance, forbidden romance, contemporary romance, off-limits romance, forced proximity romance, forced marriage romance, hate-to-love vibes story,
enemies-to-lovers romance, virgin heroine story, marriage of convenience romance, OTT alpha hero romance, dark romance, romantic suspense story with dominance, submission, intense rough sex, dirty talking, spanking, lies, steam, drama, blackmail, angst, anger, sex and sin, Non-Con, secrets, emotions, passion, tension, power and control, deception, losses, threats, discipline/punishment, redemption, grief, trauma, revelation, greed, acceptance, survival, resilience, fear, throat play, enemy, Dub-Con, obsession, possessiveness, pawn, cruelty and love.
Lucian Manwarring was the foreboding patriarch of the powerful and rich Manwarring family. His exploits in business were famous or rather infamous. His billion-dollar whiskey empire was built on the incinerated remains of countless other men and businesses. He's the devil in an Armani suit. A corporate raider with the morals of a marauding barbarian hoard. He was a feared, begrudged, and criticized. When crossed he didn't get mad, he got even and I mean scorched earth even. Stella Deiderich is a twenty-six year old heiress of the Diedrich empire. She's sassy, beautiful, intelligent, and fierce. She had always known what was expected of her so she kept herself pure because she knows that getting married to the family with pedigree like hers would open doors and connections. Wallace Oliver Deiderich and Lucian Manwarring were sworn enemies. They were once the best of friends in college but something happened and severed their friendship. Stella and her parents went to her good friend Charlotte Manwarring wedding and lost their lives going home and Stella was also fighting for her life because the chauffeur decided to have a drink on the job and lose control on the icy New York City road on New Years and revocable destroyed her life and changed the trajectory of her life.
Stella's dad loathe Lucian with a burning passion, and that was why it was baffling to her why he would name Lucian Manwarring as trustee over her inheritance in the event of his death. Her father both hated and feared him. Lucian had took numerous companies and investments from him, significantly reducing him of not only his fortune but his influence and he doesn't have any qualms about his action. He saw Wallace as an idiot who didn't know how to manage the companies and had run them into the ground. The outside world and Lucian's peer may have perceived his actions as the worst type of corporate greed, but only him knows the truth. Over five thousand people to close to thirty-five hundred families, and four entire towns in the Midwest would have been eviscerated with unemployment, debt, bankruptcy when his factories eventually closed due to mismanagement had he not stepped in. Wallace and Lucian were friends in their college years and he had listed Lucian as the executor of his estate and trustee of Stella's fortune in event something should happen to him or mother. But he never updated his will even after their friendship ended an oversight on his part. And now Lucian would use it to his advantage. He believes that all of his children or acting up and is constantly in news drawing attention to the family name.
He has some plans and on order for it to go through we will need to get married not for anything physical someone who will be a trophy wife and Stella fits the bill just as soon as he provides her with some discipline for slapping him in court and drawing the press to him. His children are always in the press and now it was his turn. Lucian was a unethical, ruthless, calculated and evil bastard. Stella got caught his cross hairs and now she belonged to him. He needed an obedient wife with connections and breeding, and her fortune certainly helped as well. She would bear the next brood of Manwarring sons. He hoping that she would give him children that would obey unlike his other children's. He knows that it would challenging at first because of her age. He would preferred a more mature woman. Since the accident she had been so cold as if frozen on the inside out. But the moment his lips touches her it was unholy fire ignite in my veins. Sitting by the fire or drinking steaming up of coffee brought her no warmth from the in her body until his unwanted kiss. His touch was the only thing that had managed to crack the rigid layer around her core. A chilling fog had crept over every corner of her life the death of her parents and regardless of the many layers that she wears or how high she turned up the heat she was frozen inside. Lucian was cruel, vile, monstrous and evil towards Stella for no reasons and his greed for power and total dominance knows no bound. His plans for her inheritance was nefarious and he project Oliver as a bad businessman but yet even in death his portfolio continued to grew. He had zero regards to Stella as she mourns her parents instead he only made her life a living hell. I would say that I enjoyed this book but I would be lying I couldn't even finish it. It was the worst of the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2024
This is the 5th book in the Gilded Decadence series, but it can be read as a standalone. Lucian is the head of the family and tough as nails. He takes advantage of the fact that his friend turned enemy never changed his will and now he guardian over Stella. He plans to make her his bride and will do whatever it takes to force her to be the wife he wants. Fast paced read with loads of drama, sizzling chemistry and plenty of twists and turns. I liked it.
June 14, 2024
Lucian Sr......
Unwillingly His is the fifth installment in the Gilded Decadence Series of interconnected standalones, featuring Lucian Manwarring Sr. and Stella Deiderich.
If you've been following this Series from the beginning, you already know how it goes with the patriarch of the Manwarring Family. His whole life is about work, business, ruthless dealings among some shady liasons. Family is almost an adornment necessary to maintain their inage of success and power, something he recognizes himself, something there is nothing much to do about. His children have grown to be their own selves, not exactly to his liking, but another thing where there isn't any other way. What is, is.
Stella Deiderich is a recently orphaned young woman, groomed to be a lady, prim, proper socialite, a future trophy wife to a man of influence, connections and power, that was about to become anything but.
I wasn't even expecting Lucian Sr. to be a protagonist in a Gilded Decadence story, but I'm so glad the authors gave him a chance. We got to know the man behind the savy, merciless, cold hearted tycoon personna he showed everyone, his children included.
I absolutely loved how the tale turned out!
An enemies to lovers forced proximity trustee-ward troupe perfect for Lucian Sr. to wield all the dominance, possession and unseen protection he was accustomed to, in a deceitful play that was so much more......
Things were very askew between Stella and Lucian Sr. . What started as a manipulation of interest became the unexpectable!
Stella was not happy, in fact she was furious after being stripped of all her fortune and assets and under Lucian's thumb until she turned 29, with a very indecent proposal, an ultimatum was more like it, to be his wife in a very recent future.
I loved Stella's attempted resistance in such dire circumstances, she wanted so much with so meager means, and Lucian always one step ahead. On the other side, trying to reason her internal conflict of want and a bit of admiration for a man she should despise, but made her feel alive inside and not such a decorous and refined lady anymore. Together they were wild and craving more.....🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
For Lucian was another masterstroke, if it weren't for his new surfaced feelings, ones he almost forgot what felt like after 20 years of solitary widowhood.
Stella's rebellion and ENOUGH was the tipping point for Lucian's metamorphosis into full comprehending that he couldn't clip her wings anymore nor did he wanted to. With regard, appreciation, pride and utmost respect, he understood all she needed was a chance to be what she was meant to and he was ready to put the world at her feet, him included. And this selfless gesture got him near his children, the family he thought was lost to him, because now he knew what it felt like to care, to worry deeply for someone than himself, the need to protect at all costs and the pain at the perspective of loosing again.
And, once more, Mary Quinn Astrid was there to dip her finger and stir sh¿t up! Fortunately, Lucian Sr. knew what needed to be done and the ties were cut because nothing else would do.
Readers beware that the narrative contains some serious Lg/Lo praise along with defiance, naughty punishments and wanton surrender......
In the end Lucian Sr. was a new man, completly devoted to his soulmate, his heart, his wife.
October 27, 2026
📖 This book follows Lucian and Stella. After Stella's parents die, Lucian gains control of her estate and by extension control over her life. He's wanted Stella for years, but instead of acting like a normal human being about it, he chooses manipulation, control and humiliation as his preferred methods of winning her over.
What I Liked
❤️ This was actually much better than I expected. Considering how awful Lucian was in previous books, I went into this fully prepared to hate it.
❤️ The writing was good and easy to read.
❤️ Despite my issues with the characters, the story kept my attention throughout.
❤️ While some of the kink elements weren't really for me, they were written well enough within the context of the story.
❤️ Lucian was exactly what I'd expected him to be: controlling, manipulative, dominant, an absolute dick and completely convinced he knew what was best for everyone.
What Didn't Work For Me
😒 Stella really disappointed me. I understood that she was in a terrible situation, but at twenty-four years old she often came across as incredibly childish. Some of her choices felt naive to the point of frustration.
😒 Lucian was supposedly the intelligent head of the family, yet he frequently behaved like an absolute idiot. For a man who's built a reputation on being strategic and calculating, some of his decisions made very little sense.
😒 My biggest issue was the romance itself. There was almost no meaningful build-up. Lucian spends a large portion of the book controlling, humiliating, and generally treating Stella poorly. Then suddenly she's in love.
😒 I never felt the relationship develop naturally. The transition from resentment and mistrust to love happened far too quickly. Because of that, I struggled to believe in their connection.
😒 The pacing became even more noticeable towards the end.
😒 After a relatively slow build, the ending felt incredibly rushed.
😒 Several important moments were wrapped up far too quickly.
😒 I would have liked more time spent on the resolution and the aftermath of everything that happened.
⚖️ Overall
This ended up being a pleasant surprise because I was convinced I was going to hate it.
Lucian was every bit as manipulative and controlling as I'd expected, but somehow the book itself worked better than I thought it would. The writing was solid, the story was entertaining, and I stayed invested despite my frustrations.
Unfortunately, Stella's immaturity, Lucian's occasional stupidity and a romance that seemed to appear out of nowhere stopped it from being as good as it could have been. Add in a rushed ending, and it felt like the book never quite reached its full potential.
What I Liked
❤️ This was actually much better than I expected. Considering how awful Lucian was in previous books, I went into this fully prepared to hate it.
❤️ The writing was good and easy to read.
❤️ Despite my issues with the characters, the story kept my attention throughout.
❤️ While some of the kink elements weren't really for me, they were written well enough within the context of the story.
❤️ Lucian was exactly what I'd expected him to be: controlling, manipulative, dominant, an absolute dick and completely convinced he knew what was best for everyone.
What Didn't Work For Me
😒 Stella really disappointed me. I understood that she was in a terrible situation, but at twenty-four years old she often came across as incredibly childish. Some of her choices felt naive to the point of frustration.
😒 Lucian was supposedly the intelligent head of the family, yet he frequently behaved like an absolute idiot. For a man who's built a reputation on being strategic and calculating, some of his decisions made very little sense.
😒 My biggest issue was the romance itself. There was almost no meaningful build-up. Lucian spends a large portion of the book controlling, humiliating, and generally treating Stella poorly. Then suddenly she's in love.
😒 I never felt the relationship develop naturally. The transition from resentment and mistrust to love happened far too quickly. Because of that, I struggled to believe in their connection.
😒 The pacing became even more noticeable towards the end.
😒 After a relatively slow build, the ending felt incredibly rushed.
😒 Several important moments were wrapped up far too quickly.
😒 I would have liked more time spent on the resolution and the aftermath of everything that happened.
⚖️ Overall
This ended up being a pleasant surprise because I was convinced I was going to hate it.
Lucian was every bit as manipulative and controlling as I'd expected, but somehow the book itself worked better than I thought it would. The writing was solid, the story was entertaining, and I stayed invested despite my frustrations.
Unfortunately, Stella's immaturity, Lucian's occasional stupidity and a romance that seemed to appear out of nowhere stopped it from being as good as it could have been. Add in a rushed ending, and it felt like the book never quite reached its full potential.
July 8, 2024
Unwillingly His (Gilded Decadence #5) by Zoe Blake/ Alta Hensley is a dark, steamy, intense age gap romance story about power, control and debauchery with BDSM elements.
Lucien Manwarring is an arrogant, billionaire who is mentioned in previous books, he is controlling, vile and rules his empire and family with an iron fist. Unwillingly His picks up after Lucian's daughter Charlotte's wedding. If you thought you hated this character before, just wait until he puts his plan into motion to take control over Stella an heiress who lost both her parents and now finds that Lucian is her guardian. His actions towards Stella is ruthless and cruel as he will own her body and soul through manipulation and punishments as she will be his prized possession but Lucian will soon learn that Stella is outspoken and headstrong.
Stella is a 26 year old innocent feisty hell cat who finds with the death of her parents everything she has is taken from her when she learns that Lucian Manwarring controls her fate and fortune. Stella is defiant and refuses to obey Lucian but soon learns that she is no match for him. Each time she disobeys Lucian in order to prove he has control over her, he punishes her and then ends up dominating her. How can she hate Lucian and want him at that same time? Will she be able to turn the tables on him while gathering information that may free her from him? But once he takes her innocence and tells her she will be his bride, the chemistry and fireworks between them is intense as Lucian trains her in the BDSM lifestyle. Stella at first is shocked but soon desires Lucian especially when he instructs her to call him Sir. This story was shocking, sensual, raw and gritty!! The more time Lucian is with Stella feelings for her deepens despite the age difference she will be his. Lucian discovers with Stella by his side he just might be redeemable.
Finally to prove his feelings to Stella he tells her the truth that he was hiding his true intentions when he became her guardian, that in fact he was trying to protect her all along. Stella also learns about her father's associates and how he amassed his fortune placing his family in danger. As they both declare their love for each other, these two will join forces as Stella proves to Lucian she is worthy of being his Queen. Together they will face obstacles and threats headed towards them in order to plan for their future. Another one of Lucian's children will arrive soon, will he be as arrogant as his father? Authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley has given their readers another look into the dark decadent world of New York Society. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Lucien Manwarring is an arrogant, billionaire who is mentioned in previous books, he is controlling, vile and rules his empire and family with an iron fist. Unwillingly His picks up after Lucian's daughter Charlotte's wedding. If you thought you hated this character before, just wait until he puts his plan into motion to take control over Stella an heiress who lost both her parents and now finds that Lucian is her guardian. His actions towards Stella is ruthless and cruel as he will own her body and soul through manipulation and punishments as she will be his prized possession but Lucian will soon learn that Stella is outspoken and headstrong.
Stella is a 26 year old innocent feisty hell cat who finds with the death of her parents everything she has is taken from her when she learns that Lucian Manwarring controls her fate and fortune. Stella is defiant and refuses to obey Lucian but soon learns that she is no match for him. Each time she disobeys Lucian in order to prove he has control over her, he punishes her and then ends up dominating her. How can she hate Lucian and want him at that same time? Will she be able to turn the tables on him while gathering information that may free her from him? But once he takes her innocence and tells her she will be his bride, the chemistry and fireworks between them is intense as Lucian trains her in the BDSM lifestyle. Stella at first is shocked but soon desires Lucian especially when he instructs her to call him Sir. This story was shocking, sensual, raw and gritty!! The more time Lucian is with Stella feelings for her deepens despite the age difference she will be his. Lucian discovers with Stella by his side he just might be redeemable.
Finally to prove his feelings to Stella he tells her the truth that he was hiding his true intentions when he became her guardian, that in fact he was trying to protect her all along. Stella also learns about her father's associates and how he amassed his fortune placing his family in danger. As they both declare their love for each other, these two will join forces as Stella proves to Lucian she is worthy of being his Queen. Together they will face obstacles and threats headed towards them in order to plan for their future. Another one of Lucian's children will arrive soon, will he be as arrogant as his father? Authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley has given their readers another look into the dark decadent world of New York Society. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
June 17, 2024
𝑯𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
🧨 Age-Gap
🧨 He's her Trustee and manager of her wealth
🧨 Insane on fire chemistry🔥
🧨 Love to HATE you vibes
🧨 High Society drama
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Lucian Manwarring Sr. has been the one character that I was on the fence about as right from the start we have seen how he is, an unfeeling and cold hearted person who doesn't care much about anyone and sees his children as transactions for his family legacy.
But in the previous book, we finally got to see a glimpse into the complicated mind workings of a man like him as to how he became a young widower and threw himself in work and carving out a legacy and so I'd been looking forward to his story and this book.
This is an absolutely sizzling book where chemistry is concerned because there's nothing but pure hate between Stella and Lucian and rightly so but somehow even when it seems to be forceful, Stella finds herself melting and wanting Lucian like she's never wanted anyone before.
Let me tell you first though how I absolutely hated this man. I felt I was stella and I really felt bad for that girl.
After suffering the greatest loss she's now told that she's not allowed access to her very own wealth and inheritance.
The way Lucian barges into her life, seizing all life control from her and plotting such that she'd come to depend on him was so infuriating and if that wasn't enough his methods of routine and punishments if she disobeyed him were just another enraging thing that made me hate him fiercely.
I honestly cheered Stella when she goes on her rampage of rebellion and it was really satisfying watching her defy the man who's made her life 𝗁𝖾𝗅𝗅 till now.
What I love witnessing is an absolutely cold hearted man who doesn't bend to anybody finally finding that person who succeeds in bringing him to his knees and that's what we get to witness which was beautiful.
The feelings of hate felt like burning embers and so did the fiery chemistry between Lucian and Stella.
I really liked that Stella was already friends with Lucian's children whose stories I've loved reading in the previous book.
That ending with Thomas... Ooohhh.... Can't wait for the next forbidden treat his story will be for sure.
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
🧨 Age-Gap
🧨 He's her Trustee and manager of her wealth
🧨 Insane on fire chemistry🔥
🧨 Love to HATE you vibes
🧨 High Society drama
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Lucian Manwarring Sr. has been the one character that I was on the fence about as right from the start we have seen how he is, an unfeeling and cold hearted person who doesn't care much about anyone and sees his children as transactions for his family legacy.
But in the previous book, we finally got to see a glimpse into the complicated mind workings of a man like him as to how he became a young widower and threw himself in work and carving out a legacy and so I'd been looking forward to his story and this book.
This is an absolutely sizzling book where chemistry is concerned because there's nothing but pure hate between Stella and Lucian and rightly so but somehow even when it seems to be forceful, Stella finds herself melting and wanting Lucian like she's never wanted anyone before.
Let me tell you first though how I absolutely hated this man. I felt I was stella and I really felt bad for that girl.
After suffering the greatest loss she's now told that she's not allowed access to her very own wealth and inheritance.
The way Lucian barges into her life, seizing all life control from her and plotting such that she'd come to depend on him was so infuriating and if that wasn't enough his methods of routine and punishments if she disobeyed him were just another enraging thing that made me hate him fiercely.
I honestly cheered Stella when she goes on her rampage of rebellion and it was really satisfying watching her defy the man who's made her life 𝗁𝖾𝗅𝗅 till now.
What I love witnessing is an absolutely cold hearted man who doesn't bend to anybody finally finding that person who succeeds in bringing him to his knees and that's what we get to witness which was beautiful.
The feelings of hate felt like burning embers and so did the fiery chemistry between Lucian and Stella.
I really liked that Stella was already friends with Lucian's children whose stories I've loved reading in the previous book.
That ending with Thomas... Ooohhh.... Can't wait for the next forbidden treat his story will be for sure.
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