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AcClaim
Meet Beatrix Winslow-Hale: a fiercely independent author whose erotica is celebrated as sensual literature and whose life provides her most scandalous inspiration. She navigates elite circles, a master of control, until she encounters Dorian Wolker.
Dorian is a self-made billionaire, a man of precise dominance who doesn't chase, but orchestrates others to want to be taken. Their connection sparks a dangerous game, rooted in power-exchange dynamics and psychological manipulation. What begins as intrigue escalates when Dorian, driven by an insatiable hunger for control, orchestrates a public humiliation, using advanced technology to expose Beatrix's most intimate vulnerabilities on a grand stage.
Stripped of her career and dignity, Beatrix finds herself at rock bottom. Yet, she is not alone. Her partner-in-crime, the audacious fashion icon Manon de Rochemaure, believes that true power lies in reclaiming what was taken. Together, these two formidable women craft a meticulous plan for revenge, transforming public downfall into a calculated triumph.
AcClaim is a beautiful, aching, intoxicating journey through obsession, emotional coercion, and the intricate dance of dominance and reclamation. It's a story of how one woman, with the unwavering support of another, rises from the ashes to make a definitive claim on her own terms.
Trigger Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content (including BDSM and power-exchange dynamics), psychological manipulation, public scandal, and themes of obsession and emotional coercion. Recommended for mature readers only
Dorian is a self-made billionaire, a man of precise dominance who doesn't chase, but orchestrates others to want to be taken. Their connection sparks a dangerous game, rooted in power-exchange dynamics and psychological manipulation. What begins as intrigue escalates when Dorian, driven by an insatiable hunger for control, orchestrates a public humiliation, using advanced technology to expose Beatrix's most intimate vulnerabilities on a grand stage.
Stripped of her career and dignity, Beatrix finds herself at rock bottom. Yet, she is not alone. Her partner-in-crime, the audacious fashion icon Manon de Rochemaure, believes that true power lies in reclaiming what was taken. Together, these two formidable women craft a meticulous plan for revenge, transforming public downfall into a calculated triumph.
AcClaim is a beautiful, aching, intoxicating journey through obsession, emotional coercion, and the intricate dance of dominance and reclamation. It's a story of how one woman, with the unwavering support of another, rises from the ashes to make a definitive claim on her own terms.
Trigger Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content (including BDSM and power-exchange dynamics), psychological manipulation, public scandal, and themes of obsession and emotional coercion. Recommended for mature readers only
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2025
About the author
Jean Thesquare
3 books10 followersJean Thesquare is a New York based writer.
AcClaim is their debut novel.
Everything else is a rumor
---
Here's what Indie Reader, in their 4 stars review said of AcClaim: "While Jean Thesquare's ACCLAIM may seem to start as a sensual story of power and domination, it examines the line between submission and consent in a way that is sorely needed in the genre."
AcClaim is their debut novel.
Everything else is a rumor
---
Here's what Indie Reader, in their 4 stars review said of AcClaim: "While Jean Thesquare's ACCLAIM may seem to start as a sensual story of power and domination, it examines the line between submission and consent in a way that is sorely needed in the genre."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 4, 2025
Thank you NetGallery for this Advanced Reader Copy (eARC).
The writer is good at painting a scene with her words. To fill the air with tension with every word you read. A seductive tone.
To make you use your imagination. Your fantasies.
Dorian is a very arrogant man who thinks he can own everyone and everything.
The way his body language speaks is that of total control, although that control might be faltering at some points.
The way he treated By had me rolling my eyes, sighing and downright hating this man. The author did their job right.
I love how he got the karma he deserves, especially after tearing down the person he thought he owned.
Manon is an absolute icon! I loved her and I loved that she used her French roots with her words.
The way she sees how lingerie should be worn is absolutely amazing.
It's also something different and refreshing I haven't seen in any book yet.
The way she shifts the power to the woman wearing the lingerie is done very well. Lingerie is a piece of armor, not something worn for a man to lust over. It's worn by women, for women. For their own seductive ways. Nothing to be owned by men.
Beatrix is also a boss babe. Sometimes I bit naive the way she looks at Dorian and his ways. How submissive she was. Maybe that's just me, because I'm not submissive in any way and I wouldn't let a man like Dorian treat me the he did Beatrix.
That Beatrix even allowed it is beyond me.
I loved how she is the Master of seduction in her writing. The sensuality of it. She never deserved anything Dorian did to her, even though some aspects of their contract were mutual.
The way she orchestrated the downfall of Dorian with Manon is just pure genius and he deserves everything that was coming for them.
Overall, this would not be a 4 star book for me, although I did enjoy it. I'm more on the fence about it, so I thought the middle ground would be perfect.
The writer is good at painting a scene with her words. To fill the air with tension with every word you read. A seductive tone.
To make you use your imagination. Your fantasies.
Dorian is a very arrogant man who thinks he can own everyone and everything.
The way his body language speaks is that of total control, although that control might be faltering at some points.
The way he treated By had me rolling my eyes, sighing and downright hating this man. The author did their job right.
I love how he got the karma he deserves, especially after tearing down the person he thought he owned.
Manon is an absolute icon! I loved her and I loved that she used her French roots with her words.
The way she sees how lingerie should be worn is absolutely amazing.
It's also something different and refreshing I haven't seen in any book yet.
The way she shifts the power to the woman wearing the lingerie is done very well. Lingerie is a piece of armor, not something worn for a man to lust over. It's worn by women, for women. For their own seductive ways. Nothing to be owned by men.
Beatrix is also a boss babe. Sometimes I bit naive the way she looks at Dorian and his ways. How submissive she was. Maybe that's just me, because I'm not submissive in any way and I wouldn't let a man like Dorian treat me the he did Beatrix.
That Beatrix even allowed it is beyond me.
I loved how she is the Master of seduction in her writing. The sensuality of it. She never deserved anything Dorian did to her, even though some aspects of their contract were mutual.
The way she orchestrated the downfall of Dorian with Manon is just pure genius and he deserves everything that was coming for them.
Overall, this would not be a 4 star book for me, although I did enjoy it. I'm more on the fence about it, so I thought the middle ground would be perfect.
October 10, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
A thrilling dark romance perfect for fans of revenge tales, contemporary women's fiction, and high spice!
A thrilling dark romance perfect for fans of revenge tales, contemporary women's fiction, and high spice!
September 21, 2025
I received a copy of this book on NetGalley and dove right in. The description was quite interesting and up my alley so I was excited to start reading.
Let’s start with the positives - I thought the author did a good job of developing each character and their relationships. The plot was well developed and I enjoyed that things happened that I did not foresee. The overall theme of the book was powerful.
In terms of improvements, I felt like the spice in this book fell very short. The author took a while to get to the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the story so I found myself a bit bored at moments. There was also weird repetition throughout the book (basically saying the same thing a paragraph later) and some of the chapter transitions were off.
Overall, I would give this a 2.5 however will mark it as a 3 star book.
Let’s start with the positives - I thought the author did a good job of developing each character and their relationships. The plot was well developed and I enjoyed that things happened that I did not foresee. The overall theme of the book was powerful.
In terms of improvements, I felt like the spice in this book fell very short. The author took a while to get to the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the story so I found myself a bit bored at moments. There was also weird repetition throughout the book (basically saying the same thing a paragraph later) and some of the chapter transitions were off.
Overall, I would give this a 2.5 however will mark it as a 3 star book.
October 25, 2025
I ought to thank NetGalley for this book, but the truth is I'm rather sorry I read it. It's not their fault. I mean... I'm the one who requested it. Moreover, I'd found the synopsis intriguing. The book itself, though, is below my regular standards. The fact that certain fragments repeat themselves may not be the author's fault, but the publisher's, so I won't count that in when it comes to the issues I've had with it.
First of all, the MC is insufferable. And so is her friend with an enema fetish. The MC is weak, stupid, yet entitled, and she is supposed to be an amazing, prize-winning author, yet we get her PoV and her thoughts are so simple and shallow that it's clear nothing mind-blowing can come from that particular mind. Her nemesis is a walking stereotype, devoid of complexity, so he doesn't even sound like a real human being. The kinky stuff is not realistic, either. I went from rolling my eyes a lot to a silent revolt against all the characters and the writer herself. I think the story is based on fantasies of hers, but she hasn't experienced any of that stuff.
I was close to giving it one star. I gave it two for the mere reason that it was, at least, readable. I won't recommend it to anyone, though.
First of all, the MC is insufferable. And so is her friend with an enema fetish. The MC is weak, stupid, yet entitled, and she is supposed to be an amazing, prize-winning author, yet we get her PoV and her thoughts are so simple and shallow that it's clear nothing mind-blowing can come from that particular mind. Her nemesis is a walking stereotype, devoid of complexity, so he doesn't even sound like a real human being. The kinky stuff is not realistic, either. I went from rolling my eyes a lot to a silent revolt against all the characters and the writer herself. I think the story is based on fantasies of hers, but she hasn't experienced any of that stuff.
I was close to giving it one star. I gave it two for the mere reason that it was, at least, readable. I won't recommend it to anyone, though.
August 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
When I saw this available on NetGalley, I dived right in. The description got my interest really quickly and I wanted to meet the characters.
I absolutely loved the especial friendship Beatrix and Manon have, they are each other's ride or die, no questions asked, and that is precious. With the development of the story, I valued their friendship even more, given the lengths Manon is willing to go to in order to support B. We all deserve to have someone like that in our corner.
When I read the blurb, I expected a different story, but I loved the one I read nonetheless. This is not a common romance, but that makes it even more interesting.
100% recommended.
Happy reading! 🫶🏼
When I saw this available on NetGalley, I dived right in. The description got my interest really quickly and I wanted to meet the characters.
I absolutely loved the especial friendship Beatrix and Manon have, they are each other's ride or die, no questions asked, and that is precious. With the development of the story, I valued their friendship even more, given the lengths Manon is willing to go to in order to support B. We all deserve to have someone like that in our corner.
When I read the blurb, I expected a different story, but I loved the one I read nonetheless. This is not a common romance, but that makes it even more interesting.
100% recommended.
Happy reading! 🫶🏼
September 19, 2025
So, this is supposed to be erotica, right? Technically… it is, if your imagination counts. Every scene flirts with heat, every thought sizzles, and yet when it comes to the actual business, she politely fades to black, leaving you constantly waiting for fireworks that never quite arrive.
The characters are chaotic, and the only one I really rooted for was Manon. She does all the heavy lifting for Beatrix, supporting her through every questionable choice, alleged threesomes included, making her the kind of friend you wish you had.
Thesquare’s prose is intoxicating: the daydreams, the charged situations, the way she makes desire feel tangible without ever showing it. Every glance, thought, or whispered intention pulls you in, and just when you think something might happen… blackout. You can’t help leaning closer, muttering to yourself about what might have been.
The ending delivers female empowerment, fashionably late, but suitably timed. And honestly? I closed the book thinking, “Well, that was fun,” while smirking over all the sparks she never actually ignited. Feels like I just got the juiciest story whispered right into my ear.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is an unbiased, honest review.
The characters are chaotic, and the only one I really rooted for was Manon. She does all the heavy lifting for Beatrix, supporting her through every questionable choice, alleged threesomes included, making her the kind of friend you wish you had.
Thesquare’s prose is intoxicating: the daydreams, the charged situations, the way she makes desire feel tangible without ever showing it. Every glance, thought, or whispered intention pulls you in, and just when you think something might happen… blackout. You can’t help leaning closer, muttering to yourself about what might have been.
The ending delivers female empowerment, fashionably late, but suitably timed. And honestly? I closed the book thinking, “Well, that was fun,” while smirking over all the sparks she never actually ignited. Feels like I just got the juiciest story whispered right into my ear.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is an unbiased, honest review.
August 7, 2025
Power and Prestige come at high prices sometimes and unfortunately Beatrix learns this the hard way. I read this book in one sitting. One. From the time I started until the time I finished I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what happened next so badly. Also I absolutely adore her and Manon. This story definitely is about having your power and taking it back when you’ve lost it. There are ups and downs and lefts and rights throughout this story but by the end of it all I could do was applaud the ladies of this story.
September 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book it was such a fun and engaging read. While Beatrix’s story is the heart of it, it’s Manon who truly shines. Their friendship takes center stage, and the push-and-pull dynamic between Manon and Dorian, with Beatrix caught in the middle, keeps things tense and intriguing.
There’s plenty of romance and heat, along with fun adventures shared between Manon and Beatrix, which made their bond even more enjoyable to follow. The excitement of Beatrix’s encounters with Dorian slowly twists into something more complex and darker than it first appears. And let’s just say… maybe I need to update my lingerie 😉.
I’m definitely excited to keep reading in this world, and I’m really hoping the next installment leans more into Manon’s story.
There’s plenty of romance and heat, along with fun adventures shared between Manon and Beatrix, which made their bond even more enjoyable to follow. The excitement of Beatrix’s encounters with Dorian slowly twists into something more complex and darker than it first appears. And let’s just say… maybe I need to update my lingerie 😉.
I’m definitely excited to keep reading in this world, and I’m really hoping the next installment leans more into Manon’s story.
September 27, 2025
Fab debut novel. Funny, witty, frustrating characters as well as loveable ones. I am over the moon with the ending. Stunning!
October 7, 2025
This book was so good! The author wrote on r/darkromance about this book and I took a shot to read it and was not disappointed! I need a friend like Manon and I want to be a friend like Manon. I absolutely adore her! This book is definitely a 5 star for me. I have only one critique; I wanted to juicy details of Dorian and Beatrix's first sexual interaction. I look forward to more books by Jean Thesquare. I am a fan forever! Everyone who loves dark romance needs to read this!
September 14, 2025
AcClaim is a powerful story of women navigating the dynamics of power in a world controlled by men. Something Beatrix learns the hard way when she starts a complex Dom/Sub power play with billionaire Dorian Wolker.
I liked the writing a lot, I found the authors style to be powerful, unique and refreshing. I also really enjoyed the plot. I went in not knowing what the major crux of the story was going to be and found myself entranced by the turn the story took. And I loved the relationship between Beatrix and Manon. How they were always there to support each other no matter what with no questions asked made the darker parts of the story easier to handle.
My only critique would be that there was definitely some repetition in the use of certain lines, for instance the description of lingerie as armor. Which is empowering at the beginning of the story when it first comes into play to build strength in the characters, but then starts to get repetitive towards the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the writing a lot, I found the authors style to be powerful, unique and refreshing. I also really enjoyed the plot. I went in not knowing what the major crux of the story was going to be and found myself entranced by the turn the story took. And I loved the relationship between Beatrix and Manon. How they were always there to support each other no matter what with no questions asked made the darker parts of the story easier to handle.
My only critique would be that there was definitely some repetition in the use of certain lines, for instance the description of lingerie as armor. Which is empowering at the beginning of the story when it first comes into play to build strength in the characters, but then starts to get repetitive towards the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2025
AcClaim is a thrilling dark ride that explores themes of power, obsession, and revenge. Beatrix Winslow-Hale, the writer, has everything at stake in a brutal game created by a billionaire. However, from the ruins of her own life, she and the fashion icon Manon de Rochemaure rise as champions-from-the-ashes—an ambitious and haunting tale of control, endurance, and possession.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
November 7, 2025
This book did not really end up being what i
Imagined although it is erotic it’s mainly just a power game between a woman B who thinks she can control every man she wants without them even realising she done it and Dorian a man who believes he can do the same to women and is determined to own her. This is more about power play than any kind of sex kink I feel but it’s still an ok read with some steamy stuff in it and it took a very dark turn I was not expecting but had a satisfying ending.
Imagined although it is erotic it’s mainly just a power game between a woman B who thinks she can control every man she wants without them even realising she done it and Dorian a man who believes he can do the same to women and is determined to own her. This is more about power play than any kind of sex kink I feel but it’s still an ok read with some steamy stuff in it and it took a very dark turn I was not expecting but had a satisfying ending.
January 11, 2026
I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had fun with this. I enjoyed the dynamics of the power play between Dorian and B. Manon was a very fun character, and her friendship with B was very entertaining.
I did feel a little off about how the twist was played out, and I'm not sure if that tainted the outcome of how I felt overall. But I still finished the book and I'm glad I did. It was an intriguing read on how power can be wielded by women.
With the way the book started, I think I expected more 'spicy' scenes than I read, but it was still enjoyable without a barrage of smut.
Thank you for the ARC copy.
I had fun with this. I enjoyed the dynamics of the power play between Dorian and B. Manon was a very fun character, and her friendship with B was very entertaining.
I did feel a little off about how the twist was played out, and I'm not sure if that tainted the outcome of how I felt overall. But I still finished the book and I'm glad I did. It was an intriguing read on how power can be wielded by women.
With the way the book started, I think I expected more 'spicy' scenes than I read, but it was still enjoyable without a barrage of smut.
Thank you for the ARC copy.
October 3, 2025
A Dark, Addictive, and Emotional Ride
Acclaim by Jean Thesquare had me hooked from the very first page. The writing is sharp and immersive, pulling me straight into a story full of tension, passion, and beautifully flawed characters. The plot is layered with just the right amount of angst and intrigue, keeping me turning the pages late into the night.
What I loved most was how real the emotions felt—every heartbreak, every victory, every stolen moment. The chemistry between the characters practically jumped off the page, and the twists kept me guessing until the very end.
If you love dark romance with emotional depth, magnetic characters, and a story that lingers with you long after you finish, Acclaim is a must-read!
Acclaim by Jean Thesquare had me hooked from the very first page. The writing is sharp and immersive, pulling me straight into a story full of tension, passion, and beautifully flawed characters. The plot is layered with just the right amount of angst and intrigue, keeping me turning the pages late into the night.
What I loved most was how real the emotions felt—every heartbreak, every victory, every stolen moment. The chemistry between the characters practically jumped off the page, and the twists kept me guessing until the very end.
If you love dark romance with emotional depth, magnetic characters, and a story that lingers with you long after you finish, Acclaim is a must-read!
February 13, 2026
"AcClaim" by Jean Thesquare is supposed to be erotica with a lot of plot twists (according to the synopsis), but it's more like a power game where everyone flirts with each other, yet consistently fades to black right when things should get interesting. If you came for the spice, you might want to check your expectations at the door. This book is heavy on sizzle but light on steak.
The story centres around Beatrix (an esteemed erotica writer with the typical rich girl family issues) and Dorian (an art collector with an ego the size of a mammoth). These two people are convinced they can control anyone they want through sheer charisma and manipulation. It's psychological warfare dressed up in designer lingerie, which brings me to the lingerie. Oh boy, is there a lot of talk about lingerie. Described as "armor" so many times you'll want to scream, the repetition becomes exhausting. We get it, ma'am. Can we move on now?
The real MVP here is Manon, Beatrix's best friend, who does all the emotional heavy lifting. She's the kind of friend everyone deserves, supporting Beatrix through every questionable decision, alleged threesomes included. Their friendship is fierce and genuine, and honestly, I wanted way more of their behind-the-scenes revenge plotting and less of the unnecessary drawn-out Dorian build-up.
Thesquare makes desire feel tangible through charged glances and whispered intentions. But just when you think fireworks are about to happen... blackout. Every. Single. Time. It's like being perpetually left on read. That’s so cruel to an erotica reader. We love our spice!
The ending delivers a satisfying theme of female empowerment, and the dark turn halfway through caught me off guard in a good way.
But by then, the pacing was already off (for me at least).
This book takes forever to get to the point, spending too much time describing dresses when I wanted the actual story. Chapter transitions feel abrupt, and honestly? More revenge; less fashion commentary would've elevated this significantly.
The writing style is good, but it is overshadowed by circling in the same block. The book desperately needs another round of editing to tighten the structure. Just cut unnecessary repetition and trim scenes that go nowhere. I want more story as a reader and not a sermon on the philosophy of underwear. Thank you very much!
3/5 stars - fun concept, needs tightening. It is so much wasted potential.
The story centres around Beatrix (an esteemed erotica writer with the typical rich girl family issues) and Dorian (an art collector with an ego the size of a mammoth). These two people are convinced they can control anyone they want through sheer charisma and manipulation. It's psychological warfare dressed up in designer lingerie, which brings me to the lingerie. Oh boy, is there a lot of talk about lingerie. Described as "armor" so many times you'll want to scream, the repetition becomes exhausting. We get it, ma'am. Can we move on now?
The real MVP here is Manon, Beatrix's best friend, who does all the emotional heavy lifting. She's the kind of friend everyone deserves, supporting Beatrix through every questionable decision, alleged threesomes included. Their friendship is fierce and genuine, and honestly, I wanted way more of their behind-the-scenes revenge plotting and less of the unnecessary drawn-out Dorian build-up.
Thesquare makes desire feel tangible through charged glances and whispered intentions. But just when you think fireworks are about to happen... blackout. Every. Single. Time. It's like being perpetually left on read. That’s so cruel to an erotica reader. We love our spice!
The ending delivers a satisfying theme of female empowerment, and the dark turn halfway through caught me off guard in a good way.
But by then, the pacing was already off (for me at least).
This book takes forever to get to the point, spending too much time describing dresses when I wanted the actual story. Chapter transitions feel abrupt, and honestly? More revenge; less fashion commentary would've elevated this significantly.
The writing style is good, but it is overshadowed by circling in the same block. The book desperately needs another round of editing to tighten the structure. Just cut unnecessary repetition and trim scenes that go nowhere. I want more story as a reader and not a sermon on the philosophy of underwear. Thank you very much!
3/5 stars - fun concept, needs tightening. It is so much wasted potential.
March 21, 2026
3 ⭐
3 🌶️
AcClaim follows Beatrix Winslow-Hale, a confident and controlled author whose world revolves around power, image, and desire—until she meets Dorian Wolker, a man who thrives on manipulation and dominance. What begins as a charged, psychological game quickly spirals into something much darker, leading to a devastating public downfall. But with the help of the bold and unapologetic Manon de Rochemaure, Beatrix sets out to reclaim her power and rewrite her story.
Honestly, this one was a bit of a mixed experience for me. The synopsis completely pulled me in—it promised intensity, power plays, and a strong revenge arc—but the execution didn’t fully live up to that potential.
I really enjoyed the female characters. Beatrix and Manon were easily the highlight for me—their personalities were strong, dynamic, and honestly, I found myself more invested in their relationship than anything else (I definitely thought it might go in that direction). The idea of using lingerie as a symbol of power and control was also really interesting and unique.
That said, parts of the story started to feel repetitive, and the pacing dragged a bit because of it. I also struggled with Dorian’s character. I didn’t like him at first, which is fine—I expected a gradual shift or deeper development—but the way that played out wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped.
The ending completely caught me off guard. I’m usually pretty good at predicting where things are going, but this one surprised me… though not necessarily in a way that made the journey feel more rewarding.
I also went in expecting more spice based on the premise, and it didn’t quite deliver on that front, which was a bit disappointing.
Overall, while AcClaim has a really strong concept and some standout characters, it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. I might still recommend it as a palate cleanser for friends looking for something a little different.
3 🌶️
AcClaim follows Beatrix Winslow-Hale, a confident and controlled author whose world revolves around power, image, and desire—until she meets Dorian Wolker, a man who thrives on manipulation and dominance. What begins as a charged, psychological game quickly spirals into something much darker, leading to a devastating public downfall. But with the help of the bold and unapologetic Manon de Rochemaure, Beatrix sets out to reclaim her power and rewrite her story.
Honestly, this one was a bit of a mixed experience for me. The synopsis completely pulled me in—it promised intensity, power plays, and a strong revenge arc—but the execution didn’t fully live up to that potential.
I really enjoyed the female characters. Beatrix and Manon were easily the highlight for me—their personalities were strong, dynamic, and honestly, I found myself more invested in their relationship than anything else (I definitely thought it might go in that direction). The idea of using lingerie as a symbol of power and control was also really interesting and unique.
That said, parts of the story started to feel repetitive, and the pacing dragged a bit because of it. I also struggled with Dorian’s character. I didn’t like him at first, which is fine—I expected a gradual shift or deeper development—but the way that played out wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped.
The ending completely caught me off guard. I’m usually pretty good at predicting where things are going, but this one surprised me… though not necessarily in a way that made the journey feel more rewarding.
I also went in expecting more spice based on the premise, and it didn’t quite deliver on that front, which was a bit disappointing.
Overall, while AcClaim has a really strong concept and some standout characters, it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. I might still recommend it as a palate cleanser for friends looking for something a little different.
September 26, 2025
AcClaim by Jean Thesquare
I really enjoyed reading AcClaim. I wasn't sure what to expect as I started, but the author pulls you in and I didn't want to stop. The storyline is wonderfully written. I can't say enough about Beatrix, I want to be like her. This is a dark romance at its finest. I am looking forward to reading more work from author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading AcClaim. I wasn't sure what to expect as I started, but the author pulls you in and I didn't want to stop. The storyline is wonderfully written. I can't say enough about Beatrix, I want to be like her. This is a dark romance at its finest. I am looking forward to reading more work from author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2025
I loved the fierce, ride-or-die friendship between Beatrix and Manon—everyone deserves a friend like that. That said, I would’ve preferred less of the lead-up with Dorian and more of the behind-the-scenes revenge between the two women. Those moments felt rushed compared to the slower build in other parts, which threw the pacing off a bit.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 24, 2025
This is a dark romance focusing on power dynamics and psychological warfare, with the FMC needing to claim her own power. Unfortunately, I wanted to enjoy this more than I did - the spice wasn't doing it for me, and I felt like things got old by the end. A good read, but not a great one.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews