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Porte du Coeur: Mistakes #1
A Mistake of Identity
Ellis knows his place in Porte du Coeur's brutal a non-union escort surviving day by day at Heart Court brothel. Then, a case of mistaken identity lands him in the bed of Gabriel Rohan—CEO, old money heir, and definitely not his assigned client.
Gabriel doesn't make mistakes. When Ellis approaches him, thinking he's someone else, Gabriel sees something he needs to possess. One night becomes a claim of ownership, catapulting Ellis into PDC's ruthless elite society. Ellis knows he should be terrified of Gabriel's possessive nature and absolute control. Instead, he's addicted to the safety of belonging to one of the city's most influential men.
But in Porte du Coeur, even the powerful must play by rules. As Gabriel's obsession deepens, threats emerge from all sides. Ellis must decide if surrendering to Gabriel means trading one cage for another or if he's finally found the home he never dared dream of.
Content Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content, mature themes, and dark elements that may be triggering to some readers. These include but are not limited significant power imbalance, dubious consent scenarios, possessive behavior, elements of ownership/control dynamics, references to past trauma and abuse, explicit sexual content, prostitution/sex work, class disparity, and themes of psychological control. This is a dark romance with an HEA (Happily Ever After) guaranteed, but the journey there contains mature content not suitable for all readers. Please see the Author's Note inside for a complete list of content warnings.
Each book in this Porte du Couer series follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, though they share the same world.
Gabriel doesn't make mistakes. When Ellis approaches him, thinking he's someone else, Gabriel sees something he needs to possess. One night becomes a claim of ownership, catapulting Ellis into PDC's ruthless elite society. Ellis knows he should be terrified of Gabriel's possessive nature and absolute control. Instead, he's addicted to the safety of belonging to one of the city's most influential men.
But in Porte du Coeur, even the powerful must play by rules. As Gabriel's obsession deepens, threats emerge from all sides. Ellis must decide if surrendering to Gabriel means trading one cage for another or if he's finally found the home he never dared dream of.
Content Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content, mature themes, and dark elements that may be triggering to some readers. These include but are not limited significant power imbalance, dubious consent scenarios, possessive behavior, elements of ownership/control dynamics, references to past trauma and abuse, explicit sexual content, prostitution/sex work, class disparity, and themes of psychological control. This is a dark romance with an HEA (Happily Ever After) guaranteed, but the journey there contains mature content not suitable for all readers. Please see the Author's Note inside for a complete list of content warnings.
Each book in this Porte du Couer series follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, though they share the same world.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 29, 2025
I battled with the decision to post a review for this book because I read it for a reading challenge. If that wasn’t the case I would have DNF’d it 15% in, which probably would have been better for the author. But I feel like I should make my review public just in case another reader needs the warning.
I read all of the trigger warnings before reading this book. As a rule I will avoid certain triggers, not because I will find them traumatic, but because I think certain things are unnecessary. It’s not a judgement of people who read dark books, but I work with victims in my real life, and I don’t see the value of trauma as entertainment. I love reading books about character overcoming trauma, but I don’t enjoy reading graphic descriptions of it for the shock value. I say all of that because I think who ever wrote the trigger warning page has a vary vast view of what counts as on page sexual assault, and I can see how that could be vary harmful for some one who is triggered.
If a police report can be written about what ever is happening, that is on page sexual assault!!! I think that distinction is very important when putting together a trigger warning page.
Aside from that, I had a hard time with this book. I will confess that I am curious about what will happen in the next book. I did like the author's writing style, and I would like to see if the characters get their revenge. But I don’t know if I want to read about what must have been the God awful abuse that was all of Henri’s life.
All in all I walked away wondering if this author even likes gay men, or if this was just about fetishizing gay trauma.
I read all of the trigger warnings before reading this book. As a rule I will avoid certain triggers, not because I will find them traumatic, but because I think certain things are unnecessary. It’s not a judgement of people who read dark books, but I work with victims in my real life, and I don’t see the value of trauma as entertainment. I love reading books about character overcoming trauma, but I don’t enjoy reading graphic descriptions of it for the shock value. I say all of that because I think who ever wrote the trigger warning page has a vary vast view of what counts as on page sexual assault, and I can see how that could be vary harmful for some one who is triggered.
If a police report can be written about what ever is happening, that is on page sexual assault!!! I think that distinction is very important when putting together a trigger warning page.
Aside from that, I had a hard time with this book. I will confess that I am curious about what will happen in the next book. I did like the author's writing style, and I would like to see if the characters get their revenge. But I don’t know if I want to read about what must have been the God awful abuse that was all of Henri’s life.
All in all I walked away wondering if this author even likes gay men, or if this was just about fetishizing gay trauma.
February 16, 2025
I really liked this book, and I'm excited for the next one to come out. The author makes your like all the characters and makes you curious if they will get there own books (I swear to God if I don't get a Lucas/Jean books I'll scream) some parts felts a little fast when reading and the plot was kinda lacking but it was still a good read. I'm looking forward to September 22 for Micheal and Henri's book.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Kink:🔗
Cover:📖📖📖📖
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Kink:🔗
Cover:📖📖📖📖
April 5, 2025
A case of mistaken identity leads to a relationship between a prostitute and a rich man.
Ellis is sent out to a client but inadvertently approaches Gabriel instead. Its insta-love with a mix of BDSM thrown in.
Ellis is disciplined by the owner of the brothel and Gabriel finds out and rescues him and his friend and takes them home.
Ellis is eventually kidnapped and Gabriel rescues him.
I enjoyed the book, not too much BDSM and look forward to the next book in the series.
Ellis is sent out to a client but inadvertently approaches Gabriel instead. Its insta-love with a mix of BDSM thrown in.
Ellis is disciplined by the owner of the brothel and Gabriel finds out and rescues him and his friend and takes them home.
Ellis is eventually kidnapped and Gabriel rescues him.
I enjoyed the book, not too much BDSM and look forward to the next book in the series.
December 10, 2025
Because the story is short, I was fine with giving it a lot of leeway. It's very much an insta-love story. As a result, nothing really happens between the two main characters to justify the male lead falling in love. Other than spice, there's no real connection between the two. We don't really see Ellis's personality. Gabriel is a bit dumb/blind to certain things that make no sense for the person that he is presented as.
The story kept my attention until around the 85% mark. Then it got real weird. To each their own, but I'm simply not a fan of authors turning characters into perpetual victims of extreme harm. It's never sits right with me and I find myself immediately taken out of the story. Ellis is that character and it was jarring for certain things to happen to him so late in story. I was immediately over the story at that point and the ending felt depressing no matter how much the author tried to wrap it up with a bow of hope. To put trauma towards the end of a book is a wild choice. I say skip it if you're not into that. This is my second book by the author and I think she might struggle when it comes to depicting depth between her main characters.
The story kept my attention until around the 85% mark. Then it got real weird. To each their own, but I'm simply not a fan of authors turning characters into perpetual victims of extreme harm. It's never sits right with me and I find myself immediately taken out of the story. Ellis is that character and it was jarring for certain things to happen to him so late in story. I was immediately over the story at that point and the ending felt depressing no matter how much the author tried to wrap it up with a bow of hope. To put trauma towards the end of a book is a wild choice. I say skip it if you're not into that. This is my second book by the author and I think she might struggle when it comes to depicting depth between her main characters.
March 15, 2025
I think I could used a trigger warning for the human sex trafficking part. Actually towards the end of the book with the "reveals" depressed me, like I felt despair for several of the characters times 10.
My fault for coming into this book with zero preparedness for the dark that laid underneath. I came for my favorite trope of "poor abused boy meets rich caretaker daddy" (no actual daddy/boy dynamics here) and I left with feeling not happy enough for the happy ending.
Ellis is my baby boy! Must protect him. Honestly sometimes I felt like Ellis and Gabriel were background characters in their own book and romance to other characters and the world building. The first is the obvious attention towards Jean, and I feel kind of bad. Like it was good suspense. I was curious about Jean's background and Henri's mysterious lifestyle the entire way, but idk I felt like you are anticipating knowing more about Jean or Henri or all the side character relationship and romances and I just want more Ellis and Gab! Gab spoiling Ellis crazy, Ellis still caught in his doubt whether Gab will throw him away eventually, ugh my heart!
I liked the beginning/middle of the book and when Ellis/Gab were primary focus and when the external conflict was simpler like the father's disapproval or Ellis handling high-society life. but then the world building and the stuff with the Saint Claires, nothing to do with Ellis, the external conflict became bigger than their relationship.
Ellis is the kind of main character you want to root for all the way through. I told myself I wouldnt read another "sex work to survive" character story after Deliverance of Marek to give myself a break from the angst and I thought this couldn't be worse but Ellis getting kidnapped and sex trafficked was more nightmarish and more heartbreaking. And then the story ends with 10% left to process... not enough comfort for that hurt. Ellis couldn't even use his boat before the kidnapping and we know he loves the water and it ends with Ellis/Gab not being able to do the one thing they wanted to do OUCH and then we get the happy epilogue where they finally are able to travel but ugh I'm not happy enough. Like when Gab rescued Ellis from Donovan that felt GOOD, and the aftercare phenomenal but idk I did not feel so good this 2nd time around.
I hope to see more Ellis and Gab HAPPY in Henri's book or a bonus story with them.
Speaking of book 2! I'm looking forward to reading it. I'm looking forward to seeing Gabriel and Henri's relationship improve. The second wave of depression hit me at that unexpected twist, that Henri wasn't a party boy but abused the whole time and Gab didn't do enough for him as his big brother? OUCH ouch ouch. Actually I'm a little scared finally getting inside Henri's mind, I feel its going to be more heartbreaking and intense than this one.
My fault for coming into this book with zero preparedness for the dark that laid underneath. I came for my favorite trope of "poor abused boy meets rich caretaker daddy" (no actual daddy/boy dynamics here) and I left with feeling not happy enough for the happy ending.
Ellis is my baby boy! Must protect him. Honestly sometimes I felt like Ellis and Gabriel were background characters in their own book and romance to other characters and the world building. The first is the obvious attention towards Jean, and I feel kind of bad. Like it was good suspense. I was curious about Jean's background and Henri's mysterious lifestyle the entire way, but idk I felt like you are anticipating knowing more about Jean or Henri or all the side character relationship and romances and I just want more Ellis and Gab! Gab spoiling Ellis crazy, Ellis still caught in his doubt whether Gab will throw him away eventually, ugh my heart!
I liked the beginning/middle of the book and when Ellis/Gab were primary focus and when the external conflict was simpler like the father's disapproval or Ellis handling high-society life. but then the world building and the stuff with the Saint Claires, nothing to do with Ellis, the external conflict became bigger than their relationship.
Ellis is the kind of main character you want to root for all the way through. I told myself I wouldnt read another "sex work to survive" character story after Deliverance of Marek to give myself a break from the angst and I thought this couldn't be worse but Ellis getting kidnapped and sex trafficked was more nightmarish and more heartbreaking. And then the story ends with 10% left to process... not enough comfort for that hurt. Ellis couldn't even use his boat before the kidnapping and we know he loves the water and it ends with Ellis/Gab not being able to do the one thing they wanted to do OUCH and then we get the happy epilogue where they finally are able to travel but ugh I'm not happy enough. Like when Gab rescued Ellis from Donovan that felt GOOD, and the aftercare phenomenal but idk I did not feel so good this 2nd time around.
I hope to see more Ellis and Gab HAPPY in Henri's book or a bonus story with them.
Speaking of book 2! I'm looking forward to reading it. I'm looking forward to seeing Gabriel and Henri's relationship improve. The second wave of depression hit me at that unexpected twist, that Henri wasn't a party boy but abused the whole time and Gab didn't do enough for him as his big brother? OUCH ouch ouch. Actually I'm a little scared finally getting inside Henri's mind, I feel its going to be more heartbreaking and intense than this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
3.25 stars. I think this one had potential and a really interesting storyline, cliche but still exciting. There were elements that worked for me and others that didn't, but overall I had a good experience and it was a short and fun ride.
The story is about Ellis, a sex worker that has no other options, that is prompted to spend a night with a client. He finds someone that is close to that description and both he and the guy, whom he realizes is very rich, spend the night as Ellis believes was his duty. Turns out, this man isn't exactly whom he thought he was, and things turn out differently once he starts getting involved in his life.
As I mentioned, this was a fun ride. We got the trope of the sex worker and a client, except this one twists the premise a bit. That creates a different path, where MC is faced with consequences, and a rich man that wasn't mean to get involved with him but ends up getting obsessed. I love this type of dynamic, and in my eyes it was well done. I loved the elements of possessiveness, obsession and neediness.
I think the one thing that wasn't executed the best was the plot. The book had a great start, but once the MCs have their first encounter and the first smut scenes come, things started to crumble a bit for me. This sort of has instalust, which I didn't especially mind despite not being my thing, but what took me out of the story at times is the pacing because it was going too fast.
There was also a point where I sort of got bored of the main couple because of the amount of smut (which was well written, but it started feeling like erotica when I was expecting something else), and my attention was drawn to the side relationship, Lucas and Jean. I wish there could be a book about them because I liked Jean, and while things went fast between those too as well, I'm interested in their side of the story.
The conclusion was great, although the last few chapters including the subplot of trafficking was also executed too fast for my liking, and the structure of the chapters felt a bit wonky. However, despite everything, I was still fine with the inclusion of that (I'm a sucker for kidnapping plots) and the ending. It's always satisfying to see a character that has suffered a lot get their own happy ending.
I saw that the second book in the series will have Henri and another character, not sure if I'd be reading it, but if there is ever a book about Lucas and Jean, count me in.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
The story is about Ellis, a sex worker that has no other options, that is prompted to spend a night with a client. He finds someone that is close to that description and both he and the guy, whom he realizes is very rich, spend the night as Ellis believes was his duty. Turns out, this man isn't exactly whom he thought he was, and things turn out differently once he starts getting involved in his life.
As I mentioned, this was a fun ride. We got the trope of the sex worker and a client, except this one twists the premise a bit. That creates a different path, where MC is faced with consequences, and a rich man that wasn't mean to get involved with him but ends up getting obsessed. I love this type of dynamic, and in my eyes it was well done. I loved the elements of possessiveness, obsession and neediness.
I think the one thing that wasn't executed the best was the plot. The book had a great start, but once the MCs have their first encounter and the first smut scenes come, things started to crumble a bit for me. This sort of has instalust, which I didn't especially mind despite not being my thing, but what took me out of the story at times is the pacing because it was going too fast.
There was also a point where I sort of got bored of the main couple because of the amount of smut (which was well written, but it started feeling like erotica when I was expecting something else), and my attention was drawn to the side relationship, Lucas and Jean. I wish there could be a book about them because I liked Jean, and while things went fast between those too as well, I'm interested in their side of the story.
The conclusion was great, although the last few chapters including the subplot of trafficking was also executed too fast for my liking, and the structure of the chapters felt a bit wonky. However, despite everything, I was still fine with the inclusion of that (I'm a sucker for kidnapping plots) and the ending. It's always satisfying to see a character that has suffered a lot get their own happy ending.
I saw that the second book in the series will have Henri and another character, not sure if I'd be reading it, but if there is ever a book about Lucas and Jean, count me in.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
October 25, 2025
Read to me by Alexa
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️- for frequency, and kink. I’ve read kinkier, but this book also isn’t very long and the author makes good use of the time allotted.
This was OKAY. Like the definition of mid. I almost DNF’d at 75% because I was bored with the story. It felt like nothing was really happening, and there was no real conflict.
Think pretty woman, but MM. And Richard Gere‘s character is a bit of a mob boss. And Julia Roberts life as a prostitute is a bit rougher. And you’ve got this book. Also throw in some BDSM once the two characters get together.
I liked the dynamic between the main characters. I did feel that they both fell a little too quickly. I’m not a huge fan of Insta love. And while they don’t use the word Love right away. That’s basically what’s going on. Neither character seems to have had any real relationship experience in the recent past. And so the fact that they have chosen to exclusively be together, I felt like made their situation ripe for relationship, drama, and conflict as they work through trying to be a couple. But the author chose not to go that route. They just instantly blend and the conflict doesn’t come until 75% from external sources. There are mild annoyances happening around them before that. But the true conflict doesn’t happen until 75% in.
If you want a quick easy read featuring some BDSM, and some darker elements happening in the background. And some darker elements that do happen to the main characters, but like without it being graphic. Which was kind of nice. Then this may be the book for you.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️- for frequency, and kink. I’ve read kinkier, but this book also isn’t very long and the author makes good use of the time allotted.
This was OKAY. Like the definition of mid. I almost DNF’d at 75% because I was bored with the story. It felt like nothing was really happening, and there was no real conflict.
Think pretty woman, but MM. And Richard Gere‘s character is a bit of a mob boss. And Julia Roberts life as a prostitute is a bit rougher. And you’ve got this book. Also throw in some BDSM once the two characters get together.
I liked the dynamic between the main characters. I did feel that they both fell a little too quickly. I’m not a huge fan of Insta love. And while they don’t use the word Love right away. That’s basically what’s going on. Neither character seems to have had any real relationship experience in the recent past. And so the fact that they have chosen to exclusively be together, I felt like made their situation ripe for relationship, drama, and conflict as they work through trying to be a couple. But the author chose not to go that route. They just instantly blend and the conflict doesn’t come until 75% from external sources. There are mild annoyances happening around them before that. But the true conflict doesn’t happen until 75% in.
If you want a quick easy read featuring some BDSM, and some darker elements happening in the background. And some darker elements that do happen to the main characters, but like without it being graphic. Which was kind of nice. Then this may be the book for you.
September 24, 2025
This sort of vacillated between a 3.5 and a 4 but landed on a 3. I think I can safely say that dark BDSM reads are not necessarily my jam. I liked Ellis, a sex worker with a sad backstory who works in a substandard non-union brothel. Gabriel, however, reminded me of those billionaire alpha-like MCs in the MF books I used to read. The kind who would see a woman, decide he wants her and would, in a stalker-like fashion, decide to make her his. All that "mine, mine, mine" stuff was very much a part of Gabriel's and Ellis' dynamic. Gabriel, while somewhat likeable was a little over the top. The odd setting also threw me a bit but loved the wordplay on quatre by calling the neighborhoods "cats." So Ellis and Gabriel meet through a case of mistaken identity. Ellis has been sent out to meet a john by his horrid pimp/employer who gives Ellis a rather vague description of the person he is to meet. Gabriel decides he likes the look of Ellis, his petit oiseau, and goes about "keeping" Ellis. Lots of family and corporate intrigue with some interesting characters. What kept me reading were the side characters like Alain, Lucas, Jean and of course, Annabelle. Loved the interactions between Lucas and Jean. Lovely humor at times but some of the non-con bits were painful to read. Now I did decide to read book 2 if only because I am interested in finding out Henri's backstory.
September 30, 2025
From an early age Ellis has been alone, now working for the Heart Court brothel, he has one last chance to keep a roof over his head. Meet this guy as a favour to his boss, the problem is Ellis does not know what he looks like. Thinking Gabriel is that man, Ellis approaches him. Gabriel knows he isn't but one look at Ellis and Gabriel wants him.
This book is split into two halves, the first halve allows us to learn more about Gabriel and Ellis. Gabriel has money, a lot of money and he is not afraid to throw it around to get what he wants and what he wants is Ellis. He wants to rescue him from the despicable actions done to him. Once Ellis has settled in Gabriel's home, the story gets mysterious as Ellis makes enemies
Whilst Gabriel and Ellis get their HEA there are still things unanswered and I want to know more about Lucas and Jean, Alain and Nika and seeing what will happen to Henry
This book is split into two halves, the first halve allows us to learn more about Gabriel and Ellis. Gabriel has money, a lot of money and he is not afraid to throw it around to get what he wants and what he wants is Ellis. He wants to rescue him from the despicable actions done to him. Once Ellis has settled in Gabriel's home, the story gets mysterious as Ellis makes enemies
Whilst Gabriel and Ellis get their HEA there are still things unanswered and I want to know more about Lucas and Jean, Alain and Nika and seeing what will happen to Henry
September 7, 2025
Porte du Coeur is a near futuristic city. A city with dark and light sides, little business kingdoms within trying to gain power and control. I really enjoyed this book. Even with the plot and cliches, I was enraptured with all the characters. And the characters are the key focus. The evil ones are dark, yet the good ones walk a little on the grey side. BDSM was light, yet the chemistry was sizzling. This book was Gabriel and Ellis’s story. Rent boy rescued by kinky rich guy. But the introduction to all the other characters intrigued me the most. I can’t wait for Alain and Nika’s story, Jean and Lucas’ and especially Henri’s. Overall, I loved it!
September 3, 2025
Ellis is sent out on a job as a rentboy. But he the description wasn't very good, and he approached the wrong man.
When he doesn't show for his actual client the brothel owner punishes him.
Gabriel doesn't hesitate. He makes him pay, and buys out 2 contracts.
Gabriel's father trys to bribe Ellis into leaving Gabriel, but when it doesn't work he goes to extremes.
It doesn't go well for anyone coming between him and his boy. I do enjoy that.
The bdsm didn't overtake the rest of the of the story, which I apricate.
When he doesn't show for his actual client the brothel owner punishes him.
Gabriel doesn't hesitate. He makes him pay, and buys out 2 contracts.
Gabriel's father trys to bribe Ellis into leaving Gabriel, but when it doesn't work he goes to extremes.
It doesn't go well for anyone coming between him and his boy. I do enjoy that.
The bdsm didn't overtake the rest of the of the story, which I apricate.
February 27, 2025
I’m DNFing at 25%. It’s probably an okay read if you love super possessive MCs. I actually like it, too, but I am not into the whole bottom of the barrel street sex worker thing. I don’t mean to slut shame but it’s not my thing. I even struggled with it on Pretty Woman. The last straw was Ellis in the display thing with a giant dildo being pounded into his ass presumably for hours. That body has some serious mileage on it. It was a bit over the top for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
Ugh, what to write about this book?! 🤔I honestly disliked most of it. I didn't like the violence, didn't like the dynamic of MCs relationship, didn't like the whole society this world is set in. BUT I have to admit that at some point in the second half the story captivated me, got suspenseful. And the side characters are really intriguing. Now I want to know how their stories play out....... 🙈😅
Read for the SH 2025
Read for the SH 2025
January 2, 2026
3.75 but I'll round up to 4. Cliche, but still exciting. I enjoyed that aside from the more-money-than-god ceo/stereotypical-traumatized-sex-worker client instalust relationship, the characters actually experienced consequences for their actions. I also liked how nobody was sane at any point. Every character was dialed up to 11 trope-wise, which is fun. I think the pacing was a little too fast, but overall a good quick MM romance read.
September 2, 2025
To be hopeful is to read books. I just thought the story was beautiful and the characters were just so easy to love and remember. The storytelling and how it’s written wasn’t corny at all. Go read it
September 28, 2025
I'm hit or miss with BDSM, and while this one isn't OTT, this book just didn't win me over. I liked it enough, but I didn't love it and I don't think I would reread it. I didn't feel anything with the MCs. It was fine, but overall not my favorite.
February 25, 2025
This is a hard book to stomach. The theme of possession and ownership isn't for everyone, especially not in the relationship. I don't know what to say about this book. I was happy when it ended.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews