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Billionaire Brothers Grimm #1
The Tower
She’s forbidden. He’s untouchable. Together, they might destroy each other.
Sasha Reed is a prisoner in a gilded cage. Controlled by her ruthless father, she’s his most valuable possession—hidden from the world, silenced by fear, and desperate to escape. But when her frantic attempt at freedom ends in failure, Sasha turns to the one man her father despises Liam Grimm.
Liam is merciless, brilliant, and the outcast of his powerful family. With ice in his veins and revenge in his heart, he doesn’t rescue damsels, and he doesn’t make deals. But Sasha is different—a pawn he can use in his war against her father. To him, she’s a weapon wrapped in silk and fire. To her, he’s the devil offering freedom at a price she might not survive.
The terms are her trust, her submission, her body, her soul. As Sasha falls deeper into Liam’s dark world, the line between captor and savior vanishes, leaving only raw, unrelenting desire. He promises to destroy her chains, but in doing so, he might shatter her entirely.
The Tower is an edgy, sensual, and steamy enemies to lovers billionaire romance with explicit content intended for mature readers only!
Sasha Reed is a prisoner in a gilded cage. Controlled by her ruthless father, she’s his most valuable possession—hidden from the world, silenced by fear, and desperate to escape. But when her frantic attempt at freedom ends in failure, Sasha turns to the one man her father despises Liam Grimm.
Liam is merciless, brilliant, and the outcast of his powerful family. With ice in his veins and revenge in his heart, he doesn’t rescue damsels, and he doesn’t make deals. But Sasha is different—a pawn he can use in his war against her father. To him, she’s a weapon wrapped in silk and fire. To her, he’s the devil offering freedom at a price she might not survive.
The terms are her trust, her submission, her body, her soul. As Sasha falls deeper into Liam’s dark world, the line between captor and savior vanishes, leaving only raw, unrelenting desire. He promises to destroy her chains, but in doing so, he might shatter her entirely.
The Tower is an edgy, sensual, and steamy enemies to lovers billionaire romance with explicit content intended for mature readers only!
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
173 people are currently reading
2746 people want to read
About the author
J. Kenner
188 books10.4k followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 10, 2025
It's been a long while since I read a J. Kenner book so I was really excited when I got this ARC and in some ways it delivered.
I loved the dynamic between the main characters. It was most undoubtedly the best part of the book. Their every charged glance and heated was deliciously addictive. There was so much sexual tension and sizzling chemistry between the MCs. I did however, struggle to like the FMC. Her personality and some of her decisions, while sometimes understandable grated on my nerves and made it hard to root for her. The MMC on the other hand, i absolutely loved and lived for the chapters from his point of view.
I thought the premise of the book was strong but the execution felt a bit flat for me. Some of the plot line i felt stretched quiet beyond believable, especially the abduction subplot which felt overdramatic and ridiculous.
Overall this was a solid read with lots of steam and a magnetic MMC.
Thanks to Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley for the ARC
Story: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Heat Level: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved the dynamic between the main characters. It was most undoubtedly the best part of the book. Their every charged glance and heated was deliciously addictive. There was so much sexual tension and sizzling chemistry between the MCs. I did however, struggle to like the FMC. Her personality and some of her decisions, while sometimes understandable grated on my nerves and made it hard to root for her. The MMC on the other hand, i absolutely loved and lived for the chapters from his point of view.
I thought the premise of the book was strong but the execution felt a bit flat for me. Some of the plot line i felt stretched quiet beyond believable, especially the abduction subplot which felt overdramatic and ridiculous.
Overall this was a solid read with lots of steam and a magnetic MMC.
Thanks to Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley for the ARC
Story: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Heat Level: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 24, 2025
Sasha + Liam
Their fathers are running two huge cosmetic companies. The children were raised to hate the other family. The Grimm boys lived relatively normal lives. But Sasha was kept like a prisoner princess by her father. He kept her drugged up so that she never questioned much of anything.
But now she's finally escaped - with the help from the enemy: Liam Grimm.
He wants to destroy her father and he needs her for that. But he'll only help her if she promises to be his for as long as he wants her and for everything he wants her for.
Still better than being kept in her father's kingdom. Right?
════════════════
Well. I'm always up for anything new by J. Kenner. And this was great.
It was exciting. Dangerous. Sexy. Sparky. Dark. Heartbreaking. Erotic. Suspensy. Fairytale-ish. So many things. I liked reading it.
It was a bit repetetive here and there. Or rather almost everywere. So many things were repeated so often. A bit weird. Maybe it will be edited a bit better before release.
I also could've lived without the two 'fights' toward the end.
But I liked reading it.
Can't wait to see how Ruby and Leo will fight for their HEA in the second book!
If you can't click the buy-links
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💜
July 14, 2025
This review will be a shortie as I am on vacation but wanted to do some type of review for this one and it is a ARC so I do feel
bad that I couldn’t wait till I got home to do it lol
The Tower was a fascinating story, I loved the edgier feel to a retelling. And it involved a retelling of Repunzel but I would say it’s more inspired and not a straight out retelling. I loved the edgy contemporary feel to this one ( I wouldn’t call it dark although the hero is a bit morally grey) I really loved their dynamic and having a bit of a softer heroine but I really didn’t care for the third act conflict drama and breakup. It felt a bit forced and that it was just to make the hero look bad and not be the strong man. I felt like the heroine was being way too controlling and he just caved to the pressure and it just didn’t fit with his character that was built in the book.
So while I enjoyed many aspects to this book …. The last 1/3 ruined the book for me a bit.
My rating: 3.5 stars
bad that I couldn’t wait till I got home to do it lol
The Tower was a fascinating story, I loved the edgier feel to a retelling. And it involved a retelling of Repunzel but I would say it’s more inspired and not a straight out retelling. I loved the edgy contemporary feel to this one ( I wouldn’t call it dark although the hero is a bit morally grey) I really loved their dynamic and having a bit of a softer heroine but I really didn’t care for the third act conflict drama and breakup. It felt a bit forced and that it was just to make the hero look bad and not be the strong man. I felt like the heroine was being way too controlling and he just caved to the pressure and it just didn’t fit with his character that was built in the book.
So while I enjoyed many aspects to this book …. The last 1/3 ruined the book for me a bit.
My rating: 3.5 stars
July 22, 2025
The Tower is a retelling of sorts of Rapunzel,with Sasha Reed as the princess in the tower that’s swept away by the prince.
In this case it’s a bastard prince,because Liam Grimm is his father’s son with another woman.
And it’s that woman that he seeks revenge for…..by using Sasha against her father,the one responsible for her death.
He’s done his research,and while he was sure at first she was aiding her father willingly,he’s come to believe she’s been lied to all those years.
Worse,he finds out her father drugged her,not just to keep her under his thumb,but to suppress her memories of him killing her own mother.
Only,she’s reached her breaking point….she’d been secretly throwing away her medicine,and has become more aware of what’s wrong….
Like her father planning to marry her off to total creep Desmond Bane without giving her a choice in the matter.
So,she runs…..straight into Liam’s arms!
You know what they say,right? The enemy of your enemy can become your friend?
She hates her father….and he hates the family Grimm with a vengeance….
So when Liam promises to help her bring her father to justice in exchange for….well,giving him everything she is….she says yes.
But even though the road is paved with good intentions,there are secrets that come to light that hurt.
And they hurt because both seem to be catching feelings.
Will they come out of this mess unscathed….and together??
It was a rollercoaster ride,i will give you that.
The road to their happiness was paved with danger and mistakes,and Liam did his best to keep her safe.
Some of the stuff he did was dubious,but in the end his intentions were good.
Sasha needed to find a balance in her emotions….badly.
And she did….once she took the time to think things through properly.
I just wish she’d not left Liam hanging for that long….twice!!
In this case it’s a bastard prince,because Liam Grimm is his father’s son with another woman.
And it’s that woman that he seeks revenge for…..by using Sasha against her father,the one responsible for her death.
He’s done his research,and while he was sure at first she was aiding her father willingly,he’s come to believe she’s been lied to all those years.
Worse,he finds out her father drugged her,not just to keep her under his thumb,but to suppress her memories of him killing her own mother.
Only,she’s reached her breaking point….she’d been secretly throwing away her medicine,and has become more aware of what’s wrong….
Like her father planning to marry her off to total creep Desmond Bane without giving her a choice in the matter.
So,she runs…..straight into Liam’s arms!
You know what they say,right? The enemy of your enemy can become your friend?
She hates her father….and he hates the family Grimm with a vengeance….
So when Liam promises to help her bring her father to justice in exchange for….well,giving him everything she is….she says yes.
But even though the road is paved with good intentions,there are secrets that come to light that hurt.
And they hurt because both seem to be catching feelings.
Will they come out of this mess unscathed….and together??
It was a rollercoaster ride,i will give you that.
The road to their happiness was paved with danger and mistakes,and Liam did his best to keep her safe.
Some of the stuff he did was dubious,but in the end his intentions were good.
Sasha needed to find a balance in her emotions….badly.
And she did….once she took the time to think things through properly.
I just wish she’d not left Liam hanging for that long….twice!!
June 20, 2025
Rapunzel retelling, captive/captor, smutty, billionaire romance with a morally grey MMC is book 1 in the Billionaire Brothers Grimm series. Liam saves Sacha from her monster of a father, but then keeps her as a hostage to exact his revenge against him. To me, this was flat, dragged out, redundant and overly predictable. The premise was super interesting, and I have a feeling that a bit more work (and about 100 less pages - I don't care that much about Elysium, which too way too much space in the story and was so unnecessary) would've made this one a banger.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2025
﹙ three stars ﹚
the tower leans heavily into the billionaire and fairytale aspects of the billed romance, but generally feels light on the enemies to lovers trope or any sort of darker edge.
this is, unbelievably, my first ever j. kenner book, and i am so sorry i was not aware of her game. the spice and the dirty talk in this book is top tier. the tension, the dialogue, the silk ties—insanely good. these were definitely a highlight of the book for me, along with any sort of sweet, domestic scene between liam and sasha where we get to see them slowly opening up to each other.
i felt like the book really started to get going in the latter half, where we leave a lot of the fairytale references behind and we can just be with liam and sasha as their own characters. i thought the fairytale tropes were a bit heavy-handed, even knowing what i was already getting into from the start. there was also an aspect of the story—where sasha builds a virtual world for herself to escape her horrifying reality—that never really worked for me, and it is a big part of the story, unfortunately.
however, kenner does thankfully shed most of that towards the last 20% of the book, and seeing liam doing anything and everything to win sasha over, to prove that his love for her is stronger than any of his own flawed instincts was really rewarding and wonderful. a constant theme that ran through the tower that i really appreciated was the distinction between control and choice, and how consent can blur the line between the two, but in a healthy way. this theme is really emphasized in the last quarter of the book, and that is where the tower shined the brightest for me.
i’d recommend this to lovers of billionaire romances, a good grovel, a classic “i’m your monster” line, and morally grey mmcs who try to be better for the woman they love.
— thank you to the publisher for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
the tower leans heavily into the billionaire and fairytale aspects of the billed romance, but generally feels light on the enemies to lovers trope or any sort of darker edge.
this is, unbelievably, my first ever j. kenner book, and i am so sorry i was not aware of her game. the spice and the dirty talk in this book is top tier. the tension, the dialogue, the silk ties—insanely good. these were definitely a highlight of the book for me, along with any sort of sweet, domestic scene between liam and sasha where we get to see them slowly opening up to each other.
i felt like the book really started to get going in the latter half, where we leave a lot of the fairytale references behind and we can just be with liam and sasha as their own characters. i thought the fairytale tropes were a bit heavy-handed, even knowing what i was already getting into from the start. there was also an aspect of the story—where sasha builds a virtual world for herself to escape her horrifying reality—that never really worked for me, and it is a big part of the story, unfortunately.
however, kenner does thankfully shed most of that towards the last 20% of the book, and seeing liam doing anything and everything to win sasha over, to prove that his love for her is stronger than any of his own flawed instincts was really rewarding and wonderful. a constant theme that ran through the tower that i really appreciated was the distinction between control and choice, and how consent can blur the line between the two, but in a healthy way. this theme is really emphasized in the last quarter of the book, and that is where the tower shined the brightest for me.
i’d recommend this to lovers of billionaire romances, a good grovel, a classic “i’m your monster” line, and morally grey mmcs who try to be better for the woman they love.
— thank you to the publisher for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
June 23, 2025
Received an ARC for an honest review.
Oh this is a new fun adventure for J. Kenner and I'm all for it! Sasha has been kept in a cage (metaphorically) by her father for too long and when she finally decides to break free, she gets help from the unlikeliest of places...the son of the rival company. I loved watching Sasha and Liam figure each other out. It went from "I made a deal with the devil" to "maybe the devil's not who I thought he was" and I ate it up! Had the spice we needed and the intrigue. There was some miscommunication at the end and it felt like we barely got out of one issue before there was another, and that was a little tiring (like I wish there was something else in between), but all in all, I loved it and can't wait for the next book!
Oh this is a new fun adventure for J. Kenner and I'm all for it! Sasha has been kept in a cage (metaphorically) by her father for too long and when she finally decides to break free, she gets help from the unlikeliest of places...the son of the rival company. I loved watching Sasha and Liam figure each other out. It went from "I made a deal with the devil" to "maybe the devil's not who I thought he was" and I ate it up! Had the spice we needed and the intrigue. There was some miscommunication at the end and it felt like we barely got out of one issue before there was another, and that was a little tiring (like I wish there was something else in between), but all in all, I loved it and can't wait for the next book!
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October 12, 2025As much as I love the idea, the heroine gave me the icks and their chemistry well, even if there was something...the whole thing gave me the cliche feeling that I just couldn't. There was something about this story that just didn't feel right for me, even if I do adore morally grey heroes.
Overall, I can tell why this book has an average rating of 3 stars, and not many over 4.
Overall, I can tell why this book has an average rating of 3 stars, and not many over 4.
June 6, 2025
I generally love J. Kenner and have read most of her books, but this one was hard to get into. It’s a loosely Rapunzel inspired story and It really, really leans into the damsel in distress and body betrayal syndrome, two things I dislike immensely. Also, fmc is a 26 year old virgin. Another thing I despise. Sasha has been essentially imprisoned, drugged and gaslit by her father for almost 20 years. When he announces her engagement, unbeknownst to her, to a maniac she hates, she escapes aided by Liam Grimm, her alleged enemy.
The relationship between Liam and Sasha was pretty stilted. It didn’t develop or flow naturally. It was essentially Sasha being unable to control her raging hormones around him and acting like a child then conversely acting like a compete boss - which makes no sense considering this is a girl who hasn’t even been been outside alone in 20 years. Predictably Liam, the monstrous villain who “doesn’t do relationships, I fu*k”, falls in love with Sasha. The sweet virginal princess. The cliches were just really hard to ignore here because they just kept piling up.
This was good, but not great. It had a lot of cliches and the whole virtual reality thing was awkward. The “betrayals”, both of them, were not really all that bad and I felt like Sasha was blowing everything way out of proportion. I’d be more angry about him living with his ex-gf tbh. A plot point which gets absolutely zero resolution. Why do they live together? How did she know to just show up when Sasha was there? What’s her purpose in this story? She just popped in to be a bitch and then faded away.
Overall worth reading but it won’t be a favorite of mine.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the advance copy. All opinions are my own and I have no relationship with the author or publisher.
The relationship between Liam and Sasha was pretty stilted. It didn’t develop or flow naturally. It was essentially Sasha being unable to control her raging hormones around him and acting like a child then conversely acting like a compete boss - which makes no sense considering this is a girl who hasn’t even been been outside alone in 20 years. Predictably Liam, the monstrous villain who “doesn’t do relationships, I fu*k”, falls in love with Sasha. The sweet virginal princess. The cliches were just really hard to ignore here because they just kept piling up.
This was good, but not great. It had a lot of cliches and the whole virtual reality thing was awkward. The “betrayals”, both of them, were not really all that bad and I felt like Sasha was blowing everything way out of proportion. I’d be more angry about him living with his ex-gf tbh. A plot point which gets absolutely zero resolution. Why do they live together? How did she know to just show up when Sasha was there? What’s her purpose in this story? She just popped in to be a bitch and then faded away.
Overall worth reading but it won’t be a favorite of mine.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the advance copy. All opinions are my own and I have no relationship with the author or publisher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
Wow, I couldn’t wait to get the first book in the new series by J. Kenner. She did not disappoint. Liam Grimm is cold hearted and makes a deal with Sasha Reed to free her from her manipulative father. Sasha agrees especially once she finds out what her father has been doing to her for her entire life. This was an amazing story as we see how two people change and realize they both have worth. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
June 23, 2025
4.25stars-THE TOWER is the first instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary adult BILLIONAIRE BROTHERS GRIMM erotic, romance series focusing on the Grimm brothers. This is thirty-four year old, billionaire businessman Liam Grimm, and twenty-six year old cosmetics heiress Sasha Reed’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Sasha) and third person (Liam) THE TOWER follows heiress Sasha Reed as she discovers the truth behind the lies and secrets she knew nothing about. Having been fed a lifetime of falsehoods, manipulated into believing the competition, aka Grimm Cosmetics and the Grimm family, were nothing more than murderers and madmen, Sasha has lived a life as a prisoner in a gilded cage but a prisoner whose life is no longer under her control. Determined to destroy the Reed Cosmetic company, Liam Grimm targets our story line heroine, a woman who is wholly and completely unaware of the machinations and subterfuge behind the scenes but a woman, who with the help of Liam Grimm, quickly discovers her entire life has been predicated upon a series of manipulative lies.
The world building is detailed and energetic as Sasha learns the truth while on the run with our story line hero. Desperate to stay one step ahead of the people who have shaped her life with a lifetime of lies, Sasha must place her trust in a man she has been lead to believe is a monster threatening to take them down. Liam is a man who knows what a monster is, first hand, and yet, our hero is willing to take on the role he has witnessed up close.
The relationship between Sasha and Liam is an enemies to lovers in which Liam has been planning and plotting for a very long time. Liam is determined to avenge the death of his mother but of Sasha’s mother as well, two women trapped in a spiral of power and greed. As Liam’s prisoner, Sasha finds herself wary of Liam’s true intent but when the darkness is lifted, Sasha sees the world in a different light. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four -letter word .
The colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters include Liam’s brother Leo; Sasha’s father Victor Reed; Desmond Bane, and Sasha’s best friend Ruby. Ruby and Leo’s story line is next.
THE TOWER is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal, greed and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy but the conflict resolution is mostly off-page, and without too much excitement or drama ; the romance is seductive yet uneasy; the characters are desperate, dynamic and complicated.
Copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Sasha) and third person (Liam) THE TOWER follows heiress Sasha Reed as she discovers the truth behind the lies and secrets she knew nothing about. Having been fed a lifetime of falsehoods, manipulated into believing the competition, aka Grimm Cosmetics and the Grimm family, were nothing more than murderers and madmen, Sasha has lived a life as a prisoner in a gilded cage but a prisoner whose life is no longer under her control. Determined to destroy the Reed Cosmetic company, Liam Grimm targets our story line heroine, a woman who is wholly and completely unaware of the machinations and subterfuge behind the scenes but a woman, who with the help of Liam Grimm, quickly discovers her entire life has been predicated upon a series of manipulative lies.
The world building is detailed and energetic as Sasha learns the truth while on the run with our story line hero. Desperate to stay one step ahead of the people who have shaped her life with a lifetime of lies, Sasha must place her trust in a man she has been lead to believe is a monster threatening to take them down. Liam is a man who knows what a monster is, first hand, and yet, our hero is willing to take on the role he has witnessed up close.
The relationship between Sasha and Liam is an enemies to lovers in which Liam has been planning and plotting for a very long time. Liam is determined to avenge the death of his mother but of Sasha’s mother as well, two women trapped in a spiral of power and greed. As Liam’s prisoner, Sasha finds herself wary of Liam’s true intent but when the darkness is lifted, Sasha sees the world in a different light. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four -letter word .
The colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters include Liam’s brother Leo; Sasha’s father Victor Reed; Desmond Bane, and Sasha’s best friend Ruby. Ruby and Leo’s story line is next.
THE TOWER is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal, greed and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy but the conflict resolution is mostly off-page, and without too much excitement or drama ; the romance is seductive yet uneasy; the characters are desperate, dynamic and complicated.
Copy supplied for review
June 27, 2025
Liam and Sasha
My introduction to the books by author J. Kenner came by way of “The Tower”. This is the first in a series entitled Billionaire Brothers Grimm. The first Grimm to take center stage is Liam Grimm, a half brother by his father’s mistress, he grew up with his brothers however, always on the outside looking in. He walled himself off to survive and used his intelligence and computer skills to forge himself into success. He is a great character who needed the strength and intelligence of a female character to keep him on his toes. Enter cosmetic model Sasha Reed, a woman locked in a tower and under the complete control of her father. Sasha’s need to escape an unwanted arranged marriage has her fleeing into the arms of family enemy, Liam Grimm. Liam is intrigued by Sasha and offers to help her escape for a price, “Everything.” These two characters are great together, they are both broken, they lost their mothers at an early age, their fathers were both horrible people, and their computer intelligence is staggering. It was great to witness layer after layer pealed away from these characters as they are stripped down and built back up, in effect healing themselves and each another. Their intimate relationship is fiery and explosive and fits their personalities. There is a lot going on in this story to keep the reader invested in these two characters. While freeing Sasha from her father’s control is paramount other issues are at play including a spurned ex-fiance and Sasha’s cyber world Elysium. The story takes a walk on the dark side, is highly emotional, is packed with erotic sex scenes all wrapped up in a solid plot that makes a great page turning read. The ending was a bit drawn out and muddled but these two spectacular characters managed to reach their happy ever after. Sasha’s personal assistant and best friend Ruby and Liam’s brother Leo play prominent roles in this story, obviously getting them ready for a story highlighting their rocky relationship. Definitely recommended. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
My introduction to the books by author J. Kenner came by way of “The Tower”. This is the first in a series entitled Billionaire Brothers Grimm. The first Grimm to take center stage is Liam Grimm, a half brother by his father’s mistress, he grew up with his brothers however, always on the outside looking in. He walled himself off to survive and used his intelligence and computer skills to forge himself into success. He is a great character who needed the strength and intelligence of a female character to keep him on his toes. Enter cosmetic model Sasha Reed, a woman locked in a tower and under the complete control of her father. Sasha’s need to escape an unwanted arranged marriage has her fleeing into the arms of family enemy, Liam Grimm. Liam is intrigued by Sasha and offers to help her escape for a price, “Everything.” These two characters are great together, they are both broken, they lost their mothers at an early age, their fathers were both horrible people, and their computer intelligence is staggering. It was great to witness layer after layer pealed away from these characters as they are stripped down and built back up, in effect healing themselves and each another. Their intimate relationship is fiery and explosive and fits their personalities. There is a lot going on in this story to keep the reader invested in these two characters. While freeing Sasha from her father’s control is paramount other issues are at play including a spurned ex-fiance and Sasha’s cyber world Elysium. The story takes a walk on the dark side, is highly emotional, is packed with erotic sex scenes all wrapped up in a solid plot that makes a great page turning read. The ending was a bit drawn out and muddled but these two spectacular characters managed to reach their happy ever after. Sasha’s personal assistant and best friend Ruby and Liam’s brother Leo play prominent roles in this story, obviously getting them ready for a story highlighting their rocky relationship. Definitely recommended. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
June 18, 2025
Sasha Reed is a 26 yr old who is being kept by her father, Victor Reed, in the family's high rise dubbed Reed Tower. Ever since her mother Lydia was killed by Elias Grimm when she was seven years old, Victor will not let Sasha leave the tower unless escorted by someone. Sasha is tired of being the face of Reed Cosmetics which she has been since she was 14 yrs old. Her father treats her like she is still seven years old.
When Sasha finds out from her best friend and personal assistant, Ruby Ryder that her father is announcing her engagement to Desmond Bane at the Beautify Manhattan Gala she freaks out. Sasha cannot stand Desmond. Just before the announcement is made Sasha takes off running and runs right into 34 year old Liam Grimm, black sheep of the Grimm family. Liam offers to help Sasha in exchange if she gives him everything....her mind, body and soul. Sasha quickly agrees. She has always had an attraction to Liam but figures she is better off with him than Desmond.
While Sasha is with Liam she starts to understand exactly what her father was doing to her. With Liam's help, Sasha starts to feel normal again. She even uses Elysium again. Elysium is a private virtual world that Sasha created where she controls everything. Her character is Vale and her love interest is Prince Killiam the Noble. While in this world Sasha can be safe and free.
Liam has his own agenda....take down Victor Reed and what better way than defiling his daughter! Only Liam starts to realize that Sasha isn't anything like the person Victor portrays her as and these two start to develop real feelings for each other. While keeping Sasha protected, secrets start to come out. Especially things from the past. Now Liam and Sasha both have to learn if they can trust again in order to find their happy ending.
I freaking LOVED this steamy, forbidden love story. Sasha really came into her own after being with Liam. I also loved how Liam finally found something worth living for. Together these two found something that missing in their lives and finally made them whole. I cannot wait for the other Grimm brothers stories.
When Sasha finds out from her best friend and personal assistant, Ruby Ryder that her father is announcing her engagement to Desmond Bane at the Beautify Manhattan Gala she freaks out. Sasha cannot stand Desmond. Just before the announcement is made Sasha takes off running and runs right into 34 year old Liam Grimm, black sheep of the Grimm family. Liam offers to help Sasha in exchange if she gives him everything....her mind, body and soul. Sasha quickly agrees. She has always had an attraction to Liam but figures she is better off with him than Desmond.
While Sasha is with Liam she starts to understand exactly what her father was doing to her. With Liam's help, Sasha starts to feel normal again. She even uses Elysium again. Elysium is a private virtual world that Sasha created where she controls everything. Her character is Vale and her love interest is Prince Killiam the Noble. While in this world Sasha can be safe and free.
Liam has his own agenda....take down Victor Reed and what better way than defiling his daughter! Only Liam starts to realize that Sasha isn't anything like the person Victor portrays her as and these two start to develop real feelings for each other. While keeping Sasha protected, secrets start to come out. Especially things from the past. Now Liam and Sasha both have to learn if they can trust again in order to find their happy ending.
I freaking LOVED this steamy, forbidden love story. Sasha really came into her own after being with Liam. I also loved how Liam finally found something worth living for. Together these two found something that missing in their lives and finally made them whole. I cannot wait for the other Grimm brothers stories.
June 23, 2025
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐍𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
*NetGalley ARC*
Not new to this author she is actually my OG favorite author. I knew this would be amazing and it did not disappoint. I mean holy shit I LOVED this book not wrong! This did make it on my TOP 2025 MUST READ List!
Sasha our MFC is the sweetest human, bound by lies and orders. She lost her mother very early on and her shit of a father raised her. Mind you this is a dark romance with a mafia vibe but different. So all her life she has been told one story and told how to dress how to act how to perform but never what SHE wanted. One night it's all pushed too far and she runs away with her captor. Yup I said that, her captor who happens to be her fathers enemy, well the enemy's son [bastard child] who might be more darker than her father. But she didn't really have a choice. Now the MMC Liam grew up always being the outsider, with step brothers and a father who didn't want him. He was born into this life and he performed in it well. When he sees an opportunity to steal the princess away from her castle, he jumps on it. This is all for revenge and to make the MFC's father pay of what he did. Little did he know the so called princess is not what he thinks she is, seems that she is a captive herself. The trust needs to come out, the MFC needs to see what her world really is and when she does, all lines break. Now on the run with her captor who really might be her dark savior, she is developing into her own. There are so many moments in this book I had to stop because of the intensity that I loved just do I don't read too fast. These two were oil and water but fit so well, the stares, the obsession, the romance, the swoon, the anger, the danger....and the SPICE! haha boy talk about fanning one self, the spice for me was a 5/5 but really this book left me wanting more and having all the feelings you get when you're swept up up in a world you wish was real.
Now these two gave me all the feels, their connection, the banter, the intensity GOD I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MOMENT in this book. EVERY SINGLE WORD! I don't want to give out too much but I got the giddy feeling reading this and it all comes from the author because I have been a huge fan and she does books just so amazing I can't describe it. HANDS DOWN ONE OF MY FAV READS THIS YEAR!
Can not wait for more in this series and this is a HIGHLY REC book for me!
*NetGalley ARC*
Not new to this author she is actually my OG favorite author. I knew this would be amazing and it did not disappoint. I mean holy shit I LOVED this book not wrong! This did make it on my TOP 2025 MUST READ List!
Sasha our MFC is the sweetest human, bound by lies and orders. She lost her mother very early on and her shit of a father raised her. Mind you this is a dark romance with a mafia vibe but different. So all her life she has been told one story and told how to dress how to act how to perform but never what SHE wanted. One night it's all pushed too far and she runs away with her captor. Yup I said that, her captor who happens to be her fathers enemy, well the enemy's son [bastard child] who might be more darker than her father. But she didn't really have a choice. Now the MMC Liam grew up always being the outsider, with step brothers and a father who didn't want him. He was born into this life and he performed in it well. When he sees an opportunity to steal the princess away from her castle, he jumps on it. This is all for revenge and to make the MFC's father pay of what he did. Little did he know the so called princess is not what he thinks she is, seems that she is a captive herself. The trust needs to come out, the MFC needs to see what her world really is and when she does, all lines break. Now on the run with her captor who really might be her dark savior, she is developing into her own. There are so many moments in this book I had to stop because of the intensity that I loved just do I don't read too fast. These two were oil and water but fit so well, the stares, the obsession, the romance, the swoon, the anger, the danger....and the SPICE! haha boy talk about fanning one self, the spice for me was a 5/5 but really this book left me wanting more and having all the feelings you get when you're swept up up in a world you wish was real.
Now these two gave me all the feels, their connection, the banter, the intensity GOD I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MOMENT in this book. EVERY SINGLE WORD! I don't want to give out too much but I got the giddy feeling reading this and it all comes from the author because I have been a huge fan and she does books just so amazing I can't describe it. HANDS DOWN ONE OF MY FAV READS THIS YEAR!
Can not wait for more in this series and this is a HIGHLY REC book for me!
June 26, 2025
It is a great pleasure to say that J.Kenner, after what feels like an eon, has written a book that's not related to the Stark Universe! I love those characters, but I was ready for something new. And I was about to give 5 stars to this book solely because of that. However, as the book was ending, I grew a little tired and frustrated, which is why the final rating is 4 stars.
Some little things bothered me, and in the end, they added up to be enough for me to lower my rating. Elysium was a cool idea at first and added a spark to the story, but the constant escapism and the AI mention became a little annoying. Was the AI mentioned to emphasize that the retelling is a modern version? To make some side plots a little more interesting and have the surprise that really wasn't a surprise make a bigger impact?
The third act breakup/angst/have to add some drama for the characters made me scratch my head because Sasha decided to grow a backbone and was taking it on the wrong person. She was her own world where she is the boss, but for most of this book someone else (namely Liam) is saving her, even from herself. We could have skipped all the parts where Liam was trying to make up for once again protecting Sasha and have her grow into her new, free self. I don't know why authors (and screenwriters) are so against writing the characters just being happy in their new lives, and instead choose to fill the pages with unnecessary drama.
With that being said, I have to also give credit when it's due. I loved Liam. He had his issues but overall worked as a MMC for me and I think readers will love him. What I didn't like was the addition of his ex to this story. We could have lived without her existence. Liam's brother and Sasha's best friend are next and that seems like a very interesting book as well, so I will keep an eye for it as it's coming later this year. What I didn't love is that the blurb for the third book spoils things that we weren't supposed to know in this book. Not approved. At the end of the day, the good things outweigh the bad and I would recommend the book to all romance lovers out there.
Some little things bothered me, and in the end, they added up to be enough for me to lower my rating. Elysium was a cool idea at first and added a spark to the story, but the constant escapism and the AI mention became a little annoying. Was the AI mentioned to emphasize that the retelling is a modern version? To make some side plots a little more interesting and have the surprise that really wasn't a surprise make a bigger impact?
The third act breakup/angst/have to add some drama for the characters made me scratch my head because Sasha decided to grow a backbone and was taking it on the wrong person. She was her own world where she is the boss, but for most of this book someone else (namely Liam) is saving her, even from herself. We could have skipped all the parts where Liam was trying to make up for once again protecting Sasha and have her grow into her new, free self. I don't know why authors (and screenwriters) are so against writing the characters just being happy in their new lives, and instead choose to fill the pages with unnecessary drama.
With that being said, I have to also give credit when it's due. I loved Liam. He had his issues but overall worked as a MMC for me and I think readers will love him. What I didn't like was the addition of his ex to this story. We could have lived without her existence. Liam's brother and Sasha's best friend are next and that seems like a very interesting book as well, so I will keep an eye for it as it's coming later this year. What I didn't love is that the blurb for the third book spoils things that we weren't supposed to know in this book. Not approved. At the end of the day, the good things outweigh the bad and I would recommend the book to all romance lovers out there.
June 13, 2025
✨ Shattered Glass & Stolen Moments ✨
There’s something about The Tower that immediately pulls you under—into Sasha’s gilded cage, into her carefully crumbling life, into her desperate need to escape. From page one, I was captivated by her rage, her fear, and her deeply felt longing for more than the life she’s been forced to live.
Sasha, our FMC, is sheltered, angry, and quietly brilliant. Her house of glass is built on secrets, phobias, and control—and while she claims it’s a fear of heights that haunts her, you can feel in your bones that something more sinister is at play. I love how she created her own form of rebellion and escape, one that felt so unique and personal. The rage she holds, the need to breathe outside her father’s grip—it’s palpable.
And then there’s Liam. Oh, Liam. He’s the mystery, the match, and maybe even the fire that burns it all down. Their chemistry is electric. Their hotel room scene? Scorched. The heat between them is undeniable, but what really stuck with me was the emotional undercurrent—the way he sees her, the way he starts to care, even when he’s not ready to admit it. I love a man who falls first and hard, even if it sneaks up on him.
While I desperately wanted Liam’s POV early on, I appreciate that J. Kenner held it back until Sasha began to pull him in. It made his perspective hit even harder when we finally got it. His soft moments, his fierce protectiveness, and that dirty talk? Top tier.
I’m also a sucker for a possessive MMC who has a learning curve—and Liam’s emotional growth was one of my favorite parts of the ending. Watching him open up, change, and choose Sasha not just in passion, but in life? Satisfying and swoony.
Elysium as a setting felt lush and dangerous, a place where secrets unfold just as fast as clothes drop. And I knew who Liam was from the beginning, but it made the ride all the more delicious.
🌶️ Virgin FMC
🌶️ Possessive MMC
🌶️ Obsession, escape, emotional unraveling
🌶️ Touch of suspense
This book is a twisted fairy tale in stilettos and shadowy secrets, and I can’t wait for more from this world.
There’s something about The Tower that immediately pulls you under—into Sasha’s gilded cage, into her carefully crumbling life, into her desperate need to escape. From page one, I was captivated by her rage, her fear, and her deeply felt longing for more than the life she’s been forced to live.
Sasha, our FMC, is sheltered, angry, and quietly brilliant. Her house of glass is built on secrets, phobias, and control—and while she claims it’s a fear of heights that haunts her, you can feel in your bones that something more sinister is at play. I love how she created her own form of rebellion and escape, one that felt so unique and personal. The rage she holds, the need to breathe outside her father’s grip—it’s palpable.
And then there’s Liam. Oh, Liam. He’s the mystery, the match, and maybe even the fire that burns it all down. Their chemistry is electric. Their hotel room scene? Scorched. The heat between them is undeniable, but what really stuck with me was the emotional undercurrent—the way he sees her, the way he starts to care, even when he’s not ready to admit it. I love a man who falls first and hard, even if it sneaks up on him.
While I desperately wanted Liam’s POV early on, I appreciate that J. Kenner held it back until Sasha began to pull him in. It made his perspective hit even harder when we finally got it. His soft moments, his fierce protectiveness, and that dirty talk? Top tier.
I’m also a sucker for a possessive MMC who has a learning curve—and Liam’s emotional growth was one of my favorite parts of the ending. Watching him open up, change, and choose Sasha not just in passion, but in life? Satisfying and swoony.
Elysium as a setting felt lush and dangerous, a place where secrets unfold just as fast as clothes drop. And I knew who Liam was from the beginning, but it made the ride all the more delicious.
🌶️ Virgin FMC
🌶️ Possessive MMC
🌶️ Obsession, escape, emotional unraveling
🌶️ Touch of suspense
This book is a twisted fairy tale in stilettos and shadowy secrets, and I can’t wait for more from this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
The Tower by J. Kenner is a seductive enemies to lovers billionaire romance that delivers a thrilling story line and some intriguing characters. The bustard heir. The manipulated heiress. His grand plan for revenge and her deal with the devil. Liam Grimm and Sasha Reed brings scorching hot forbidden passion in every page.
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 forbidden romance
🖤 good girl- bad boy
🖤 billionaire romance
🖤 dark romance
🖤 opposite attract
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 romantic suspense
Reeds and Grimms are sworn enemies in business. Sasha Reed has been a puppet in her evil father's hand but when her father announces a surprise engagement to a more evil man, she knows she has to escape. The bustard Grimm heir Liam offers her a deal. He will keep her safe but he wants everything from her. Body. Heart. Soul. Because he wants to ruin her father and what's a better way than to defile the perfect princess. But he didn't know that Sasha would penetrate his armour and he will fall for her.
Sasha is seen as this fragile and pure beauty by the world. Her father has used her trauma for his gain and he is still harming her for the money and more. She initially refused to see that her father is this level of evil specially when the evidence was given by their family rival. It was devastating to say the least. Liam isn't her knight in shining armour. He had made it clear. But she also cannot ignore the way he is trying to save her at own risk, even if it's for revenge. What a twisted situation! It was pretty spicy and Liam is full on dominating controlling alpha. But deep inside, he is more similar to Sasha than he thought. His own father and family doesn't accept him because he is the bustard. He made his own name as the cyber genius. And his skills helped him to get close to Sasha virtually within Elysium, the world created by her through AI. But Sasha didn't know that. It was a battle of balancing the truth and the betrayals. Sasha proved to have a strong fighting spirit. She fought her way out of her father's manipulations and even Liam's. Her light made Liam fall for her because she healed the darkness.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 forbidden romance
🖤 good girl- bad boy
🖤 billionaire romance
🖤 dark romance
🖤 opposite attract
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 romantic suspense
Reeds and Grimms are sworn enemies in business. Sasha Reed has been a puppet in her evil father's hand but when her father announces a surprise engagement to a more evil man, she knows she has to escape. The bustard Grimm heir Liam offers her a deal. He will keep her safe but he wants everything from her. Body. Heart. Soul. Because he wants to ruin her father and what's a better way than to defile the perfect princess. But he didn't know that Sasha would penetrate his armour and he will fall for her.
Sasha is seen as this fragile and pure beauty by the world. Her father has used her trauma for his gain and he is still harming her for the money and more. She initially refused to see that her father is this level of evil specially when the evidence was given by their family rival. It was devastating to say the least. Liam isn't her knight in shining armour. He had made it clear. But she also cannot ignore the way he is trying to save her at own risk, even if it's for revenge. What a twisted situation! It was pretty spicy and Liam is full on dominating controlling alpha. But deep inside, he is more similar to Sasha than he thought. His own father and family doesn't accept him because he is the bustard. He made his own name as the cyber genius. And his skills helped him to get close to Sasha virtually within Elysium, the world created by her through AI. But Sasha didn't know that. It was a battle of balancing the truth and the betrayals. Sasha proved to have a strong fighting spirit. She fought her way out of her father's manipulations and even Liam's. Her light made Liam fall for her because she healed the darkness.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
June 26, 2025
This new series from J. Kenner starts with a dark, brooding erotic novel about an heiress who has been held captive by her father and the man who has vowed to take her down. Sasha Reed has been the puppet for Reed Cosmetics, locked away in her gilded tower by her father, kept down, abused and then 'sold' to an odious man, Sasha realizes that her life holds only sadness. Liam Grimm's family is Reed Cosmetics biggest competitor, and Liam as the black sheep has been watching Sasha and getting intel on her to try to bring Reed down. But when Sasha's father ambushes her at a gala with the announcement of her engagement to Desmond Bane, she decides she must escape and that is where Liam comes in. He promises to keep her safe and help her get out from under her father's clutches but in exchange, she must give him 'everything'. This is the start of their journey together.
This story is compelling, page turning and told with that edge of darkness that always threatens to overcome our heroine. Although fragile to the outside world, Sasha starts to show her strength as she strives to outsmart her father and remain compliant to the man who has wormed his way into her life. This is a book about forbidden love, trust, and family dynamics. As Liam works to keep Sasha safe, he has to reconsider how he feels about her and how far he will go to protect her. But Liam can't control his darker side and as his alpha side takes over, he starts to take away Sasha's ability to make decisions for herself, just like her father did. Can Sasha and Liam work their way though this maze of lies and untruths and find their HEA?
Ms. Kenner is one of my favorite authors and this book is definitely up there as one of my new favorites. I get Damian Stark vibes all over again and that makes me very happy. I loved this book and it truly was an exceptional read. The storytelling was compelling, the prose flowed and the characters were beautifully flawed in their writing. So excited for Ruby and Leo's story next.
This story is compelling, page turning and told with that edge of darkness that always threatens to overcome our heroine. Although fragile to the outside world, Sasha starts to show her strength as she strives to outsmart her father and remain compliant to the man who has wormed his way into her life. This is a book about forbidden love, trust, and family dynamics. As Liam works to keep Sasha safe, he has to reconsider how he feels about her and how far he will go to protect her. But Liam can't control his darker side and as his alpha side takes over, he starts to take away Sasha's ability to make decisions for herself, just like her father did. Can Sasha and Liam work their way though this maze of lies and untruths and find their HEA?
Ms. Kenner is one of my favorite authors and this book is definitely up there as one of my new favorites. I get Damian Stark vibes all over again and that makes me very happy. I loved this book and it truly was an exceptional read. The storytelling was compelling, the prose flowed and the characters were beautifully flawed in their writing. So excited for Ruby and Leo's story next.
January 26, 2026
This is the second series I've read in a year that is a smutty fairytale retelling set in modern day. The first series was the Grimm Bargains series, basically a mob romance with some faint fairy tale retouches. This one is very similar except instead of the Mafia niche, this is the billionaire niche.
Yeah, you're right. Potato Potahto.
Anywhoo, I actually liked this one more, a billionaire Rapunzel retelling. Where the first was about control dressed as romance in and outside of the bedroom, this one actually (and very surprisingly) had a lot of things to say about the importance of consent (both in and out of the bedroom) and how love isn't about controlling another person, even if the "control" is about keeping someone you love safe. How control isn't always about control, but about stealing someone else's free will and consent. And honestly with the influx of "romance" novels centered around the "I must keep the person I love safe, even if it means controlling their every move" this novel offered an honest and very fresh perspective and I couldn't help but applaud. The series centers on the 5 sons of Elias Grimm, the psychopathic billionaire owner of a multi-billion dollar cosmetics empire. This one was about his bastard son Liam and the daughter of their biggest rivals, Sasha Reed. Sasha's father is the owner of Reed Cosmetics and she is not only the face of the company, but her father's carefully controlled doll. She is locked in Reed Tower without friends or acquaintances or a life of her own, slowly being controlled and drugged by her father in some kind of weird mental health Munchhausen's by Proxy situation. When her father, without her consent, announces her engagement to a known wife-beater and fellow psychopath, Sasha panicks and runs into Liam who promises to protect her for her a price.
So this was mostly cliche and repetitive, and actually pretty poorly written. The sex scenes were formulaic. During the first half, I didn't see anything to make this stand out from the crowd. But then when the tone switched and our MCs begin to fall in love and the important issues I mentioned above start to rise to the surface, I actually became a little invested. I actually really liked Sasha, and the second half really started to focus more on her abuse by her father and her starting to reclaim her own story and her own life. And I will always get behind these types of stories. Nothing mind blowing for sure, but I added a half a star for being just the slightest bit unexpected. And when I read this type of thing I don't usually get unexpected.
So I actually liked this one for surprisingly dynamic characters and some deviation from the normal controlling asshattery of this genre. Though it was not very well written, it did read really fast.
3.5 stars.
Yeah, you're right. Potato Potahto.
Anywhoo, I actually liked this one more, a billionaire Rapunzel retelling. Where the first was about control dressed as romance in and outside of the bedroom, this one actually (and very surprisingly) had a lot of things to say about the importance of consent (both in and out of the bedroom) and how love isn't about controlling another person, even if the "control" is about keeping someone you love safe. How control isn't always about control, but about stealing someone else's free will and consent. And honestly with the influx of "romance" novels centered around the "I must keep the person I love safe, even if it means controlling their every move" this novel offered an honest and very fresh perspective and I couldn't help but applaud. The series centers on the 5 sons of Elias Grimm, the psychopathic billionaire owner of a multi-billion dollar cosmetics empire. This one was about his bastard son Liam and the daughter of their biggest rivals, Sasha Reed. Sasha's father is the owner of Reed Cosmetics and she is not only the face of the company, but her father's carefully controlled doll. She is locked in Reed Tower without friends or acquaintances or a life of her own, slowly being controlled and drugged by her father in some kind of weird mental health Munchhausen's by Proxy situation. When her father, without her consent, announces her engagement to a known wife-beater and fellow psychopath, Sasha panicks and runs into Liam who promises to protect her for her a price.
So this was mostly cliche and repetitive, and actually pretty poorly written. The sex scenes were formulaic. During the first half, I didn't see anything to make this stand out from the crowd. But then when the tone switched and our MCs begin to fall in love and the important issues I mentioned above start to rise to the surface, I actually became a little invested. I actually really liked Sasha, and the second half really started to focus more on her abuse by her father and her starting to reclaim her own story and her own life. And I will always get behind these types of stories. Nothing mind blowing for sure, but I added a half a star for being just the slightest bit unexpected. And when I read this type of thing I don't usually get unexpected.
So I actually liked this one for surprisingly dynamic characters and some deviation from the normal controlling asshattery of this genre. Though it was not very well written, it did read really fast.
3.5 stars.
June 25, 2025
This is a J Kenner that rivals her darker stories. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, the raw and exposed feelings will keep you glued to your huggy pillow, and the ending will have you throwing a fist pump. There are some dark tropes in this story, so be aware, and take care of your mental health.
This is the first of a new book series and I am so ready for the rest of the Brothers Grimm series!
Sasha Reed's dad has been gaslighting and drugging her most of her life. He has her believing that Elias Grimm pushed her mother off Reed Tower, even though she witnessed who really pushed her. He has her afraid of leaving Reed Tower, afraid of heights, afraid of open spaces. He uses her as part of a business deal with another prominent family, essentially selling her hand in marriage.
Liam Grimm, the son of his dad's mistress, and the black sheep of the Grimm children. It's a miracle that he isn't more broken than he is. He's been secretly in love with Sasha, and comes to her rescue. In a huge way. But not before striking a deal with her, in attempts to finally exact his revenge on Victor Reed. Read it to find out why he wants revenge, and how he rescues Sasha not only from her dad, but also from the future Victor had mapped out for her, without her knowledge.
Recommended for mature audiences who understand that fiction allows us to explore the shadowy corners of desire safely. This story will make you believe that fairy tales do exist, and dreams can come true, but happiness is not easy nor painless. Sometimes you have to walk through fire to get to the other side. And sometimes the villain in one tale is the victim in another.
Thank you J Kenner and Booksprout for this ARC. The above is my own and personal opinion.
This is the first of a new book series and I am so ready for the rest of the Brothers Grimm series!
Sasha Reed's dad has been gaslighting and drugging her most of her life. He has her believing that Elias Grimm pushed her mother off Reed Tower, even though she witnessed who really pushed her. He has her afraid of leaving Reed Tower, afraid of heights, afraid of open spaces. He uses her as part of a business deal with another prominent family, essentially selling her hand in marriage.
Liam Grimm, the son of his dad's mistress, and the black sheep of the Grimm children. It's a miracle that he isn't more broken than he is. He's been secretly in love with Sasha, and comes to her rescue. In a huge way. But not before striking a deal with her, in attempts to finally exact his revenge on Victor Reed. Read it to find out why he wants revenge, and how he rescues Sasha not only from her dad, but also from the future Victor had mapped out for her, without her knowledge.
Recommended for mature audiences who understand that fiction allows us to explore the shadowy corners of desire safely. This story will make you believe that fairy tales do exist, and dreams can come true, but happiness is not easy nor painless. Sometimes you have to walk through fire to get to the other side. And sometimes the villain in one tale is the victim in another.
Thank you J Kenner and Booksprout for this ARC. The above is my own and personal opinion.
July 14, 2025
Our Rapunzel, Sasha Reed, is the face and heir of Reed Cosmetics. Her father has dictated everything about her life for the past 27 years, which used to work well for her since she takes medications to stem off panic attacks when she's outside her home and for her fear of heights. Our Prince, Liam Grimm, works for the competition, and Sasha holds his father responsible for the death of her mother several years ago. Funnily enough, Liam holds Sasha's father responsible for the death of his mother so these two sworn enemies also share something in common. Liam sees Sasha as a way to try and retaliate against her father. When the opportunity arises to escape from her father's cage and an arranged marriage, Sasha willingly agrees to Liam's terms. As she spends more time with Liam, she realizes the depth of her father's manipulations of her life.
I enjoyed the premise behind the story, but this book seemed to drag on a bit too long, and I didn't care for the route to the end. I did love how Liam helped build Sasha's courage and confidence to totally break free from her father. But, in his zeal to protect her, he made decisions without consulting her and ultimately deprived her of what I felt was some closure to that part of her life. Instead, the story fell flat for me at this point and everything following it became a narrative instead of actual action. Compared to this author's previous stories, this one lacked any suspense as to how the story would end. I hope for good things with the next book with Liam's brother, Leo, and Sasha's bestie, Ruby.
I enjoyed the premise behind the story, but this book seemed to drag on a bit too long, and I didn't care for the route to the end. I did love how Liam helped build Sasha's courage and confidence to totally break free from her father. But, in his zeal to protect her, he made decisions without consulting her and ultimately deprived her of what I felt was some closure to that part of her life. Instead, the story fell flat for me at this point and everything following it became a narrative instead of actual action. Compared to this author's previous stories, this one lacked any suspense as to how the story would end. I hope for good things with the next book with Liam's brother, Leo, and Sasha's bestie, Ruby.
June 8, 2025
Rating: 3.25/5
This book had good bones. It’s clearly inspired by Rapunzel, but told in a modern setting with themes of agency, control, and a woman trying to reclaim her ability to make choices for herself. The writing flowed well, and I liked the overall tone and structure of the story.
One of the strengths of the story was the dynamic between Liam and Sasha. It was clear that Liam deeply loved her and was willing to do whatever it took to prove himself and earn her trust again. Their emotional connection had real potential, and you could feel the intensity of what they meant to each other.
That said, several parts of the story felt rushed or unfinished. For example, there was a long buildup to the courtroom scene, but when it finally happened, Sasha’s father didn’t even show up and the entire moment wrapped up in just a few pages. Scenes between Sasha and Liam also started to feel repetitive. I actually found myself flipping back at times because I thought I had accidentally re-read the same moment.
The foundation of the story was solid, and I appreciated the way it touched on deeper themes. The spice was well done and added to the chemistry. I just found myself wishing for a bit more depth and development throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
This book had good bones. It’s clearly inspired by Rapunzel, but told in a modern setting with themes of agency, control, and a woman trying to reclaim her ability to make choices for herself. The writing flowed well, and I liked the overall tone and structure of the story.
One of the strengths of the story was the dynamic between Liam and Sasha. It was clear that Liam deeply loved her and was willing to do whatever it took to prove himself and earn her trust again. Their emotional connection had real potential, and you could feel the intensity of what they meant to each other.
That said, several parts of the story felt rushed or unfinished. For example, there was a long buildup to the courtroom scene, but when it finally happened, Sasha’s father didn’t even show up and the entire moment wrapped up in just a few pages. Scenes between Sasha and Liam also started to feel repetitive. I actually found myself flipping back at times because I thought I had accidentally re-read the same moment.
The foundation of the story was solid, and I appreciated the way it touched on deeper themes. The spice was well done and added to the chemistry. I just found myself wishing for a bit more depth and development throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
October 6, 2025
“The princess is no longer locked in the tower—she’s standing on the battlements, ready for war.”
⭐️ 3/5
This story twists the bones of classic fairy tales into something darker and more seductive — a modern, high-stakes world where princesses have trauma and princes aren’t always heroic. Sasha’s life has been a nightmare since childhood — manipulated, drugged, and gaslit by her father to protect his own secrets. Now grown, she’s strong but scarred, determined to find her freedom. Enter Liam Grimm, the complicated, morally gray “rescuer” who’s both her protector and her undoing.
The setup hooked me early, but the execution sometimes lagged. The writing leans heavily on internal repetition — thoughts, emotions, even spicy scenes circle the same ground, slowing the pacing. Still, there’s something magnetic about watching Sasha reclaim her power while Liam wrestles with guilt and loyalty. The fairy-tale parallels (Rapunzel vibes, anyone?) were fun without feeling too on-the-nose, and the emotional core stayed compelling even when the prose faltered.
By the end, I found myself rooting for Sasha more than the romance itself — which might say something about how well J. Kenner wrote her. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s a solid start to what could become a really intriguing series of dark, modern fairy tales.
Favorite Quotes:
“Because real fairy tales don’t end with happily ever after. They end with blood and teeth and pain. And I’m beginning to wonder if I’m the heroine of my own story—or the sacrifice.”
⭐️ 3/5
This story twists the bones of classic fairy tales into something darker and more seductive — a modern, high-stakes world where princesses have trauma and princes aren’t always heroic. Sasha’s life has been a nightmare since childhood — manipulated, drugged, and gaslit by her father to protect his own secrets. Now grown, she’s strong but scarred, determined to find her freedom. Enter Liam Grimm, the complicated, morally gray “rescuer” who’s both her protector and her undoing.
The setup hooked me early, but the execution sometimes lagged. The writing leans heavily on internal repetition — thoughts, emotions, even spicy scenes circle the same ground, slowing the pacing. Still, there’s something magnetic about watching Sasha reclaim her power while Liam wrestles with guilt and loyalty. The fairy-tale parallels (Rapunzel vibes, anyone?) were fun without feeling too on-the-nose, and the emotional core stayed compelling even when the prose faltered.
By the end, I found myself rooting for Sasha more than the romance itself — which might say something about how well J. Kenner wrote her. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s a solid start to what could become a really intriguing series of dark, modern fairy tales.
Favorite Quotes:
“Because real fairy tales don’t end with happily ever after. They end with blood and teeth and pain. And I’m beginning to wonder if I’m the heroine of my own story—or the sacrifice.”
August 6, 2025
This was a very loose Rapunzel retelling… if Rapunzel had daddy issues, a virtual alter ego, and ended up falling for the most ruthless man her father hates.
And honestly? It was pretty good.
Holy sexual tension, Batman.
The chemistry between Sasha and Liam was off the charts. The slow build, the power shifts, the dark teasing... J. Kenner knows how to write a dynamic that makes you squirm and swoon at the same time.
Liam Grimm? Cold. Calculating. Deliciously dangerous. I loved his character — maybe a little too much. He’s the kind of morally gray that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Just pure, brutal confidence with a sharp edge of vulnerability if you know where to look.
Sasha, on the other hand, took a little longer to warm up to. There were definitely some confusing aspects to her story, especially with the virtual world she escapes into — you really have to pay attention. But once you get it, it clicks into place.
This isn’t a fairy tale — it’s a game of control, escape, obsession, and survival.
And it’s so worth the fall.
Dark, sensual, and completely consuming.
If you’re into billionaire enemies-to-lovers with a heavy dose of danger and desire, this one’s for you.
And honestly? It was pretty good.
Holy sexual tension, Batman.
The chemistry between Sasha and Liam was off the charts. The slow build, the power shifts, the dark teasing... J. Kenner knows how to write a dynamic that makes you squirm and swoon at the same time.
Liam Grimm? Cold. Calculating. Deliciously dangerous. I loved his character — maybe a little too much. He’s the kind of morally gray that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Just pure, brutal confidence with a sharp edge of vulnerability if you know where to look.
Sasha, on the other hand, took a little longer to warm up to. There were definitely some confusing aspects to her story, especially with the virtual world she escapes into — you really have to pay attention. But once you get it, it clicks into place.
This isn’t a fairy tale — it’s a game of control, escape, obsession, and survival.
And it’s so worth the fall.
Dark, sensual, and completely consuming.
If you’re into billionaire enemies-to-lovers with a heavy dose of danger and desire, this one’s for you.
May 28, 2025
The Tower was a good standalone, steamy billionaire romance story but it's a one-time read type of story for me. Sasha's father Victor Reed has controlled every aspect of her life using and method he deems necessary. Her only escape seems to be in a virtual world she's created but she unaware that the enemy lurks within. She's trapped and all she wishes for is freedom and that opportunity presents itself when her father pushes her too far. Liam Grimm is the enemy in every way but he's the only person willing to help Sasha gain the freedom she wants. However, his help comes with a price. Liam has always wanted to take Victor down and what better way to do that than with his most prized possession. With that being said, I don't want to give too much away but this story is full of deception, secrets, betrayal, revenge, possessiveness, control, competition, jealousy, steamy scenes and more, and it ends with a HEA. As I mentioned before that this was a good read, but it's a one-time read for me because it seems like every other billionaire romance story. Don't get me wrong, I love billionaire romance stories, it's just that I was hoping for something a little different.
June 26, 2025
5 Has She Really Escaped Stars!
I’m a long time reader of Ms. Kenner and I love when she gives us new characters and a storyline that’s just a tad bit darker than some of her previous books. Sasha and Liam’s families are mortal enemies. They’re both in the cosmetics industry but the big difference between them is Liam isn’t being held prisoner by his father. Sasha on the other hand is not only a prisoner but is only trotted out when it suits her father. When she finds out that he’s planned a marriage for her, she makes the bold decision to run… and she ran right into Liam’s arms and he has plans for her!
While Liam is focused on revenge, Sasha just may be his best weapon. There’s a connection between them that is staggeringly strong and the way Liam brings her into his world that is foreign to Sasha because she’s not experienced anything like Liam before. Their sexy scenes are filled with passion and pushing boundaries and Sasha shocks herself with how much she’s on board with it all!
I love how we see how Sasha starts to change Liam and how he feels about her. Women for him the past have been a plaything and were around for a short time and a specific purpose. Sasha is his game changer!
This book is consuming and held me in its clutches from beginning to end. I cannot wait for Leo and Ruby’s book!!
I’m a long time reader of Ms. Kenner and I love when she gives us new characters and a storyline that’s just a tad bit darker than some of her previous books. Sasha and Liam’s families are mortal enemies. They’re both in the cosmetics industry but the big difference between them is Liam isn’t being held prisoner by his father. Sasha on the other hand is not only a prisoner but is only trotted out when it suits her father. When she finds out that he’s planned a marriage for her, she makes the bold decision to run… and she ran right into Liam’s arms and he has plans for her!
While Liam is focused on revenge, Sasha just may be his best weapon. There’s a connection between them that is staggeringly strong and the way Liam brings her into his world that is foreign to Sasha because she’s not experienced anything like Liam before. Their sexy scenes are filled with passion and pushing boundaries and Sasha shocks herself with how much she’s on board with it all!
I love how we see how Sasha starts to change Liam and how he feels about her. Women for him the past have been a plaything and were around for a short time and a specific purpose. Sasha is his game changer!
This book is consuming and held me in its clutches from beginning to end. I cannot wait for Leo and Ruby’s book!!
June 30, 2025
Can the Princess Escape Her Tower?
Sasha lived under the iron grip of a father who saw her as nothing more than a possession. When he arranged her marriage to a ruthless man, she knew she had to escape. Liam offered her that chance—but freedom came at a cost: her body, her soul, her trust. He set the rules. She agreed. But nothing about their arrangement stayed simple for long.
Liam wanted to use her in a cold, calculated game of revenge. But Sasha wasn’t the pawn he expected. As their lives intertwine and their defenses fall, something deeper begins to take root. She might be his weapon, but she’s also his weakness. And Sasha, who feared trading one cage for another, might discover something she never thought possible—love on her own terms.
This is an intense, emotionally charged enemies-to-lovers romance with layers of heat, heart, and healing. If you enjoy dark romance with strong heroines and brooding heroes who fall hard, this story will grab you from the first page and won’t let go.
Sasha lived under the iron grip of a father who saw her as nothing more than a possession. When he arranged her marriage to a ruthless man, she knew she had to escape. Liam offered her that chance—but freedom came at a cost: her body, her soul, her trust. He set the rules. She agreed. But nothing about their arrangement stayed simple for long.
Liam wanted to use her in a cold, calculated game of revenge. But Sasha wasn’t the pawn he expected. As their lives intertwine and their defenses fall, something deeper begins to take root. She might be his weapon, but she’s also his weakness. And Sasha, who feared trading one cage for another, might discover something she never thought possible—love on her own terms.
This is an intense, emotionally charged enemies-to-lovers romance with layers of heat, heart, and healing. If you enjoy dark romance with strong heroines and brooding heroes who fall hard, this story will grab you from the first page and won’t let go.
June 25, 2025
Julie Kenner's Stark Saga was one of my favorite series that she wrote, but it had run it's course, and I was hoping that she would come up with a new direction that would sweep me off my feet. The Tower is that direction I was hoping for!
I'm a huge sucker for the Billionaire who gets swept off his feet by a woman who ends up being his equal in more ways than one. The story had me on the edge of my seat from the first page, and I love it when a book takes me on a journey that I find difficult to put down. Loved the angst driven chemistry between Liam and Sasha, along with Leo and Ruby. Definitely had some anxiety throughout this book with the events, trying to anticipate, but never quite knowing when. Seriously loved it! Very much looking forward to Leo and Ruby's story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I'm a huge sucker for the Billionaire who gets swept off his feet by a woman who ends up being his equal in more ways than one. The story had me on the edge of my seat from the first page, and I love it when a book takes me on a journey that I find difficult to put down. Loved the angst driven chemistry between Liam and Sasha, along with Leo and Ruby. Definitely had some anxiety throughout this book with the events, trying to anticipate, but never quite knowing when. Seriously loved it! Very much looking forward to Leo and Ruby's story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
August 11, 2025
Took me a while to get into this book but when I did I really enjoyed the birth of a new series. Liam Grimm is one mixed up alpha male that is most definitely on a mission of protection, revenge and hatred. Sasha is a Princess in a guided tower. Placed there by her not so delightful scheming father Victoria Reed. Drama abounds and secrets, plots , sub plots and down right domination is most definitely a thing in this book. However there is a really soft centre, of two people very much in love with others, not realising the truth. Evil characters are scattered throughout the story, and money certainly appears to buy power, but also hatches mistrust, lies and most definitely deceit. Manipulation and strong persuasion is also another dark issue. Will good beat evil? The edge of the seat suspense and sibling rivalry may or may not help. A great start which appears to be a superb series.
June 21, 2025
4 star Review The Tower (Billionaire Brothers Grimm #1) by J. Kenner
This is Liam Grimm and Sasha Reed’s story and it was a good start for the Billionaire Brothers Grimm series.
An enemies to lovers billionaire story which ticked numerous boxes for me.
Sasha is kept away from the outside world by her father and is desperate to escape her life. The only man she can turn to is Liam who is her father’s enemy.
He is such a determined man and it’s an added bonus that it will destroy her father; just makes it perfect.
There is angst and emotion throughout this story with plenty of heat. The chemistry is intense and although I liked Liam I had a harder time relating to Sasha.
I received an ARC through the publisher and Netgalley.
This is Liam Grimm and Sasha Reed’s story and it was a good start for the Billionaire Brothers Grimm series.
An enemies to lovers billionaire story which ticked numerous boxes for me.
Sasha is kept away from the outside world by her father and is desperate to escape her life. The only man she can turn to is Liam who is her father’s enemy.
He is such a determined man and it’s an added bonus that it will destroy her father; just makes it perfect.
There is angst and emotion throughout this story with plenty of heat. The chemistry is intense and although I liked Liam I had a harder time relating to Sasha.
I received an ARC through the publisher and Netgalley.
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