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Queens Command #1
Mariposa
I made it into the special forces course, but there are three problems.
Problem number one? One of my instructors is the infamous Special Operator Beast—a man everyone fears due to his cold heart and polished career. He loathes being away from his team, which makes graduating nearly impossible for all of us, mainly his least favorite student, me.
Problem number two? My heart skips a beat whenever I look into his cruel eyes, and my blood heats whenever he’s near me. He’s tall, scarred, and a devastatingly irresistible man who never smiles.
Oh, and problem number three? He’s my ex-boyfriend’s dad.
We try to stay out of each other’s way to make our reckless attraction fade, but fate keeps bringing us together. The military calls me The Unbreakable Soldier, but falling for Kade O’Connell might be my undoing.
Mariposa is a standalone dark military romance set in the Scarred Executioners world.
Problem number one? One of my instructors is the infamous Special Operator Beast—a man everyone fears due to his cold heart and polished career. He loathes being away from his team, which makes graduating nearly impossible for all of us, mainly his least favorite student, me.
Problem number two? My heart skips a beat whenever I look into his cruel eyes, and my blood heats whenever he’s near me. He’s tall, scarred, and a devastatingly irresistible man who never smiles.
Oh, and problem number three? He’s my ex-boyfriend’s dad.
We try to stay out of each other’s way to make our reckless attraction fade, but fate keeps bringing us together. The military calls me The Unbreakable Soldier, but falling for Kade O’Connell might be my undoing.
Mariposa is a standalone dark military romance set in the Scarred Executioners world.
425 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2025
1796 people are currently reading
10348 people want to read
About the author
Lexie Axelson
7 books1,058 followersLexie Axelson is a Hispanic Author from South Texas. She is a military spouse currently residing on the East Coast. She loves to pen angsty, heartbreaking love stories. When she isn't reading a book, she loves to watch horror movies and travel with her family.
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September 1, 2025DNF at 50% 😭🫣💀😧
I wanted to love this so bad. I literally kept pushing hoping it would get better.. and alas, it did not. it felt so choppy and rushed. the development of violet and kade’s relationship was nonexistent. in one pov they didn’t like each other at all, all of a sudden they were hooking up? where tffff did that come from and how did I miss it?
everyone was way too okay with this entire situation in my humble opinion HAHAHA but I do love me an ex boyfriends dad book so I didn’t mind that part all that much.
this felt like it tried to be birthday girl but in the military and failed miserably.
I skimmed the ending just to see what happens and I’m glad I didn’t finish because I would’ve rated it 1⭐️ based on the messy ending alone.
I did love love love that the fmc is latina! my fav part. and I adored the grandmas and graham’s relationship. they hard carried.
(that will teach me not to judge a book by its cover)
I wanted to love this so bad. I literally kept pushing hoping it would get better.. and alas, it did not. it felt so choppy and rushed. the development of violet and kade’s relationship was nonexistent. in one pov they didn’t like each other at all, all of a sudden they were hooking up? where tffff did that come from and how did I miss it?
everyone was way too okay with this entire situation in my humble opinion HAHAHA but I do love me an ex boyfriends dad book so I didn’t mind that part all that much.
this felt like it tried to be birthday girl but in the military and failed miserably.
I skimmed the ending just to see what happens and I’m glad I didn’t finish because I would’ve rated it 1⭐️ based on the messy ending alone.
I did love love love that the fmc is latina! my fav part. and I adored the grandmas and graham’s relationship. they hard carried.
(that will teach me not to judge a book by its cover)
August 18, 2025
4.25⭐
If you love dark romance and the age-gap trope, don’t hesitate—pick up this book!
It gripped me emotionally from the very first page! This story has everything: action, angst, sizzling chemistry between the characters, and tension—and Lexie Axelson weaves it all together so well that it’s impossible to put down.
And the main characters! I fell in love with daddy Kade. He’s a grumpy Master Sergeant, fearless and brave, yet deeply loyal and devoted. Violet is a determined, confident woman who decided to honor her father’s memory by joining the army. I absolutely loved that.
What stood out to me most was how the relationship between Kade and Violet developed gradually. The author captured the “ex’s dad” trope brilliantly—something not many can pull off.
The book kept me on edge until the very end! The storyline with the grandmother broke my heart.
I can’t wait to read the next books in this series!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓dark military romance
✓age gap
✓ex boyfriend’s dad
✓forced proximity
✓forbidden romance
✓slow burn
_____
Pre-read: Dark military romance? Age gap? Yes, please! And just look at this cover!🔥
If you love dark romance and the age-gap trope, don’t hesitate—pick up this book!
It gripped me emotionally from the very first page! This story has everything: action, angst, sizzling chemistry between the characters, and tension—and Lexie Axelson weaves it all together so well that it’s impossible to put down.
And the main characters! I fell in love with daddy Kade. He’s a grumpy Master Sergeant, fearless and brave, yet deeply loyal and devoted. Violet is a determined, confident woman who decided to honor her father’s memory by joining the army. I absolutely loved that.
What stood out to me most was how the relationship between Kade and Violet developed gradually. The author captured the “ex’s dad” trope brilliantly—something not many can pull off.
The book kept me on edge until the very end! The storyline with the grandmother broke my heart.
I can’t wait to read the next books in this series!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓dark military romance
✓age gap
✓ex boyfriend’s dad
✓forced proximity
✓forbidden romance
✓slow burn
_____
Pre-read: Dark military romance? Age gap? Yes, please! And just look at this cover!🔥
August 25, 2025
I picked this up because of the insanely amazing cover ngl, but this was a total letdown for me.
Things I liked:
- FMC being Latina
- The smut was pretty good (most of it anyway)
Things I didn’t like:
- The FMC. Jesus fucking christ. This girl was supposed to be this badass character, in the SPECIAL FORCES, and YET! She let everyone walk all over her. Didn’t like her at all. She was NOT a badass in any way, shape, or form.
- The MMC. Nope, didn’t like this dude at all. First, he has the cliché scarred brow and heterochromia that has been done just a million times already. Why can’t the FMC be the one to have a scarred brow and mismatched eyes for once? Second, no personality whatsoever. Like, none. Blander than unseasoned chicken.
- The writing. Gahhhhhh! Everything about the writing was just off. There were inconsistencies, the pacing was weird, and there was a lot of telling and no showing, like, A LOT.
- MCs together. There was no chemistry between them. No tension, no nothing. And when they said I love yous, I was like, wait, what?
- FMC's ex (MMC's son). They were together for six years, but the way they broke up and the way she acted, you’d think they were together for a month. And the way the ex just accepted the FMC and his father were together at the end was simply comical.
- A scene where the OW told the MMC that the FMC was using him (she wasn’t), and what did he do? LOL HE BELIEVED THE OW. He didn’t let the FMC explain things and ended whatever they had. Nah.
- The ending. Rushed, rushed, rushed. There’s no other way of putting it.
There were a few other things I didn’t like, but these were the biggest issues for me. As you can see, I was bamboozled by the cover. Never again (will probably happen again). I read one other book by this author and didn’t like it either. I don’t think this author is for me.
1st person - dual pov
age gap (fmc 20-22/mmc 38)
no virgins
no condoms
no sharing
owd/omd
no cheating
3rd act breakup
more like a hfn imo
Things I liked:
- FMC being Latina
- The smut was pretty good (most of it anyway)
Things I didn’t like:
- The FMC. Jesus fucking christ. This girl was supposed to be this badass character, in the SPECIAL FORCES, and YET! She let everyone walk all over her. Didn’t like her at all. She was NOT a badass in any way, shape, or form.
- The MMC. Nope, didn’t like this dude at all. First, he has the cliché scarred brow and heterochromia that has been done just a million times already. Why can’t the FMC be the one to have a scarred brow and mismatched eyes for once? Second, no personality whatsoever. Like, none. Blander than unseasoned chicken.
- The writing. Gahhhhhh! Everything about the writing was just off. There were inconsistencies, the pacing was weird, and there was a lot of telling and no showing, like, A LOT.
- MCs together. There was no chemistry between them. No tension, no nothing. And when they said I love yous, I was like, wait, what?
- FMC's ex (MMC's son). They were together for six years, but the way they broke up and the way she acted, you’d think they were together for a month. And the way the ex just accepted the FMC and his father were together at the end was simply comical.
- A scene where the OW told the MMC that the FMC was using him (she wasn’t), and what did he do? LOL HE BELIEVED THE OW. He didn’t let the FMC explain things and ended whatever they had. Nah.
- The ending. Rushed, rushed, rushed. There’s no other way of putting it.
There were a few other things I didn’t like, but these were the biggest issues for me. As you can see, I was bamboozled by the cover. Never again (will probably happen again). I read one other book by this author and didn’t like it either. I don’t think this author is for me.
1st person - dual pov
age gap (fmc 20-22/mmc 38)
no virgins
no condoms
no sharing
owd/omd
no cheating
3rd act breakup
more like a hfn imo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2025
4⭐️
які ж тут емоційні останні 20% книги. це саме те, що я від неї очікувала. той випадок, коли фінал врятував для мене книгу, і за це накинула оцінку 😌
одразу скажу, що не сподобалось - розвиток лл. більшість часу я не відчувала хімії між гг. так, у них була пристрасть, але лише на фізичному рівні, обидва просто пускали слинку один на одного, а гарячий секс не підкріплювався звичайними розмовами, де герої могли б краще пізнати одне одного.. я мовчу вже про травми минулого, зрозуміло, що таке не обговорюється одразу. але, коли на 84% книги вони починають говорити про те, чому вступили в армію, чому обрали спецназ, який улюблений фільм і колір, і це ще й у момент, коли явно не час для таких тем, то я така: ну окееей, краще пізно, ніж ніколи. але це все одно фігня 😆
саме тому, коли підходить час до сварки чи міні-розриву в третьому акті, це стається через таку тупу причину 🤦♀️ бо ці двоє геть мало знають одне одного - тому й можуть повірити в будь-яку брехню, яку скаже інша людина.
а скільки моментів можна було пропрацювати для їхнього забороненого кохання: різниця у віці, бос-підлегла, батько колишнього хлопця.. але ніт, менше розмов - більше спекотного сексу 😈 частину моментів ще можна було виправдати їхніми характерами та специфікою роботи, через яку кейд став занадто холодним і суворим, але ж ніхто не забороняв їм просто більше розмовляти 😩
до приємного, що сподобалось.
📍сетинг: військове навчання, спецназ, місії. і хоча все це подано не надто детально, але мілітарі романс читаю рідко, тому поки цікавинка присутня.
📍гг: сильна, наполеглива й незламна вайолет - подібних героїнь ми любимо, побільше таких 😎 і куди ж без холодного, жорстокого старшого сержанта кейда з брудним ротом 😮💨🥵
📍емоційні події під кінець книги. драма, втрата, пожертва, зізнання, трохи істерик - усе як треба 🤌
📍сюжетна лінія з бабусею вайолет. ох, історія її першого кохання та їхні листи розбили мені серце. це була справжня родзинка й найкраща частина книги 💔 саме з нею пов'язані два фінальні моменти, яких я чекала, - і хоча все сталося так, як передбачала, я все одно розчулилась і не змогла стримати сліз 🥲
загалом, якби авторка краще пропрацювала динаміку розвитку стосунків гг, я б спокійно поставила цій історії п'ятірку 🙌
які ж тут емоційні останні 20% книги. це саме те, що я від неї очікувала. той випадок, коли фінал врятував для мене книгу, і за це накинула оцінку 😌
одразу скажу, що не сподобалось - розвиток лл. більшість часу я не відчувала хімії між гг. так, у них була пристрасть, але лише на фізичному рівні, обидва просто пускали слинку один на одного, а гарячий секс не підкріплювався звичайними розмовами, де герої могли б краще пізнати одне одного.. я мовчу вже про травми минулого, зрозуміло, що таке не обговорюється одразу. але, коли на 84% книги вони починають говорити про те, чому вступили в армію, чому обрали спецназ, який улюблений фільм і колір, і це ще й у момент, коли явно не час для таких тем, то я така: ну окееей, краще пізно, ніж ніколи. але це все одно фігня 😆
саме тому, коли підходить час до сварки чи міні-розриву в третьому акті, це стається через таку тупу причину 🤦♀️ бо ці двоє геть мало знають одне одного - тому й можуть повірити в будь-яку брехню, яку скаже інша людина.
а скільки моментів можна було пропрацювати для їхнього забороненого кохання: різниця у віці, бос-підлегла, батько колишнього хлопця.. але ніт, менше розмов - більше спекотного сексу 😈 частину моментів ще можна було виправдати їхніми характерами та специфікою роботи, через яку кейд став занадто холодним і суворим, але ж ніхто не забороняв їм просто більше розмовляти 😩
до приємного, що сподобалось.
📍сетинг: військове навчання, спецназ, місії. і хоча все це подано не надто детально, але мілітарі романс читаю рідко, тому поки цікавинка присутня.
📍гг: сильна, наполеглива й незламна вайолет - подібних героїнь ми любимо, побільше таких 😎 і куди ж без холодного, жорстокого старшого сержанта кейда з брудним ротом 😮💨🥵
📍емоційні події під кінець книги. драма, втрата, пожертва, зізнання, трохи істерик - усе як треба 🤌
📍сюжетна лінія з бабусею вайолет. ох, історія її першого кохання та їхні листи розбили мені серце. це була справжня родзинка й найкраща частина книги 💔 саме з нею пов'язані два фінальні моменти, яких я чекала, - і хоча все сталося так, як передбачала, я все одно розчулилась і не змогла стримати сліз 🥲
загалом, якби авторка краще пропрацювала динаміку розвитку стосунків гг, я б спокійно поставила цій історії п'ятірку 🙌
August 13, 2025
These 4-5 star reads are definitely paid. This was horrible
One star for the cover though
One star for the cover though
August 7, 2025
So I can’t tell if I spent more time crying or turned on from this book. Who knows ?
This military romance has a badass fmc and stone-cold daddy and honestly, what more could you want? There is trauma bonding, banter, a couple characters you will absolutely loathe, and amazing found family in a place where someone feels like they have nothing.
I felt very connected to a lot of aspects of this book - maybe that’s why I cried like a baby so many damn times.
The characters and situations are relatable, the trauma is real, and the mouth on this man? Mind. Blowing. If he’s offering rides, I’ll take a ticket too. Jesus.
This is not your typical romance with your typical third act breakup — please read the trigger warnings, understand what you’re going into, and enjoy the ride 😏🥵
Thank you so much to Lexi and team for allowing me an advanced copy of Mariposa !
This military romance has a badass fmc and stone-cold daddy and honestly, what more could you want? There is trauma bonding, banter, a couple characters you will absolutely loathe, and amazing found family in a place where someone feels like they have nothing.
I felt very connected to a lot of aspects of this book - maybe that’s why I cried like a baby so many damn times.
The characters and situations are relatable, the trauma is real, and the mouth on this man? Mind. Blowing. If he’s offering rides, I’ll take a ticket too. Jesus.
This is not your typical romance with your typical third act breakup — please read the trigger warnings, understand what you’re going into, and enjoy the ride 😏🥵
Thank you so much to Lexi and team for allowing me an advanced copy of Mariposa !
September 12, 2025
This felt like it was trying wayyyy too hard to be like Birthday Girl (but in a military setting.) It ended up sounding SO forced and more like a Walmart version of Birthday Girl.
Lowkey having SO much sad shit happen in the last 5% felt a bit random & forced, but I still felt things sooo that’s something !
Ngl sometimes I wondered if AI wrote this. It felt like someone told AI to take the 5 most popular tropes and somehow cram it all into 1 book.
the grandma and Graham carried this book on their back, but they shouldn’t have had to😭😭
Lowkey having SO much sad shit happen in the last 5% felt a bit random & forced, but I still felt things sooo that’s something !
Ngl sometimes I wondered if AI wrote this. It felt like someone told AI to take the 5 most popular tropes and somehow cram it all into 1 book.
the grandma and Graham carried this book on their back, but they shouldn’t have had to😭😭
October 25, 2025
This was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. The way Violet and Kade’s story unfolded was so beautiful. The grandmother remembering Graham made me feel her sadness and longing. I need the author to write an epilogue or an extra chapter about Kade and Violet. I need to read more about them being happy together.
P.S.: I love you, booker. 💔
P.S.: I love you, booker. 💔
August 29, 2025
(3.5) Dame romances militares así siempre.
Me encanta esto de que ambos estén en la milicia, él sea su entrenador y después tengan que enfrentar las misiones juntos.
Hay un romance prohibido muy bueno (papá de mi ex), una tensión muy bien creada y un age gap interesante. Pero lo que más me sorprendió fue la subtrama de la abuela de ella. Quería que leyeran las cartas del pasado todo el tiempo y me hubiera gustado un poco más de desarrollo ahí.
La protagonista me encantó, muy fuerte y decidida. Hay que tener ovarios para aguantar ser la única mujer dentro de una escuela militar llena de machistas.
Y a él lo fui queriendo poco a poco, nunca llegué a enamorarme 100 %, pero sí me dio pena como lo menospreció su familia.
Le doy tres estrellas y media porque el drama excesivo del final lo vi totalmente innecesario. Además, me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de ellos como pareja, el final lo sentí muy rápido.
Me encanta esto de que ambos estén en la milicia, él sea su entrenador y después tengan que enfrentar las misiones juntos.
Hay un romance prohibido muy bueno (papá de mi ex), una tensión muy bien creada y un age gap interesante. Pero lo que más me sorprendió fue la subtrama de la abuela de ella. Quería que leyeran las cartas del pasado todo el tiempo y me hubiera gustado un poco más de desarrollo ahí.
La protagonista me encantó, muy fuerte y decidida. Hay que tener ovarios para aguantar ser la única mujer dentro de una escuela militar llena de machistas.
Y a él lo fui queriendo poco a poco, nunca llegué a enamorarme 100 %, pero sí me dio pena como lo menospreció su familia.
Le doy tres estrellas y media porque el drama excesivo del final lo vi totalmente innecesario. Además, me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de ellos como pareja, el final lo sentí muy rápido.
September 26, 2025
5⭐️ 5🌶️
A soldier in special forces training falls for her forbidden and feared instructor, only to discover he is her ex-boyfriend's father.
Read if you like:
• dark military romance special ops
• ex bfs dad
• age gap (17yrs)
• old love letters
• dual POV
• heart breaking
• slow burn
• forced proximity
• grumpy x sunshine
A soldier in special forces training falls for her forbidden and feared instructor, only to discover he is her ex-boyfriend's father.
Read if you like:
• dark military romance special ops
• ex bfs dad
• age gap (17yrs)
• old love letters
• dual POV
• heart breaking
• slow burn
• forced proximity
• grumpy x sunshine
August 24, 2025
DNF @10%.
Atrocious writing. That should teach me for choosing a book based on the cover.
Atrocious writing. That should teach me for choosing a book based on the cover.
August 12, 2025
I had the privilege of receiving this ARC for an honest review. Let’s get into my thoughts.
What I loved:
• the raw and real representation of Alzheimer’s, grief and trauma when it comes to loss. These things hit so close to home and really made me emotional at some points.
• The family dynamic between Violet, her mother, sister, and grandparents. The Latina representation was good. Violet being family oriented, the mom wanting her daughter to be “una mama de casa” and the strong familial ties were there. The culture and language was there too and it made my little Puerto Rican heart happy to read (especially reading the Spanish sayings and sentences mixed with the diverse playlist — Kade’s POV with the song Mariposa Traicionera had me dying 🤣)
• The sexual tension between the two MC’s and the filthy mouth on this man was DELICIOUS 🥵
Where I struggled:
• I didn’t believe the romance between Kade and Violet. It was insta lust and hot sex, but after that, how did they fall in love??? When??? If you market this as a romance that means more than just sexual tension and screwing like rabbits. There was no genuine progression of love, just flat out banter and sex.
• Making “The Surgeon” a good chunk of the last part of the book just to give us the ending that was given was so anticlimactic. Why was the end rushed? What was the point of all of that? Some of the stuff that happened wasn’t believable either. Love confessions during the time they’re ACTIVELY trying to get away from the enemy??? His friend being described as this “bad ass” and “one of the top soldiers” along with Kade for him to freak out and panic like a newbie? Violet effing up her ankle so bad she could bear weight or walk on it, just for her to RUN in the woods/jungle when directed to by Kade? No. I was really annoyed that something so big to the story had an abrupt ending and didn’t actually finish it full circle or make any sense at times.
• Something that defines Violet is her traumatic past involving her Dad. You’re telling me that one small moment of Kade saying “it wasn’t your fault” and it HEALED HER? When I read this part, I wanted to throw my kindle. How did we get there? Why make something so significant to then make one small moment “fix it all”. Trauma doesn’t get fixed by tons of sex or words like “it wasn’t your fault.” If he made her feel safe, fine that’s great. But flat out saying he healed her is annoying and beyond unrealistic.
• violet’s character went from a young twenty something year old girl to a teenager. She acted less like an “unbreakable soldier” and more like a true young girl trying to sort her feelings. The flip flop was giving me backlash. She’s allowed her feelings, of course, but her actions screamed childish and it was hard to love her character at times.
• There is no reason a grown man of 38 years old should engage in gossip, and act like a child. No one thought to make him a tad bit more mature and communicate rather than have an emotional tantrum? AND ALL BEFORE A MISSION???? When he takes his job seriously???? He should have known that wasn’t the time or place for something like that when actively going on a mission.
• The letters and the grandma… still trying to figure out the point. Her abuelita could have flat out told her what happened instead of dragging it through to the end just to have another revelation from the grandfather. I get what the author was trying to do but WHAT DID THAT HAVE TO DO WITH VIOLET??? How did any of this impact or pertain to Violet and her personal life, besides finding out that her grandparents lives were like some novella on Telemundo?
Look - Overall this book was okay. I didn’t believe or love the romance but the spice was good. There were so many major plot points I feel that either got lost or didn’t make its mark. I truly wish this author the best on her debut and hope others love and enjoy it.
What I loved:
• the raw and real representation of Alzheimer’s, grief and trauma when it comes to loss. These things hit so close to home and really made me emotional at some points.
• The family dynamic between Violet, her mother, sister, and grandparents. The Latina representation was good. Violet being family oriented, the mom wanting her daughter to be “una mama de casa” and the strong familial ties were there. The culture and language was there too and it made my little Puerto Rican heart happy to read (especially reading the Spanish sayings and sentences mixed with the diverse playlist — Kade’s POV with the song Mariposa Traicionera had me dying 🤣)
• The sexual tension between the two MC’s and the filthy mouth on this man was DELICIOUS 🥵
Where I struggled:
• I didn’t believe the romance between Kade and Violet. It was insta lust and hot sex, but after that, how did they fall in love??? When??? If you market this as a romance that means more than just sexual tension and screwing like rabbits. There was no genuine progression of love, just flat out banter and sex.
• Making “The Surgeon” a good chunk of the last part of the book just to give us the ending that was given was so anticlimactic. Why was the end rushed? What was the point of all of that? Some of the stuff that happened wasn’t believable either. Love confessions during the time they’re ACTIVELY trying to get away from the enemy??? His friend being described as this “bad ass” and “one of the top soldiers” along with Kade for him to freak out and panic like a newbie? Violet effing up her ankle so bad she could bear weight or walk on it, just for her to RUN in the woods/jungle when directed to by Kade? No. I was really annoyed that something so big to the story had an abrupt ending and didn’t actually finish it full circle or make any sense at times.
• Something that defines Violet is her traumatic past involving her Dad. You’re telling me that one small moment of Kade saying “it wasn’t your fault” and it HEALED HER? When I read this part, I wanted to throw my kindle. How did we get there? Why make something so significant to then make one small moment “fix it all”. Trauma doesn’t get fixed by tons of sex or words like “it wasn’t your fault.” If he made her feel safe, fine that’s great. But flat out saying he healed her is annoying and beyond unrealistic.
• violet’s character went from a young twenty something year old girl to a teenager. She acted less like an “unbreakable soldier” and more like a true young girl trying to sort her feelings. The flip flop was giving me backlash. She’s allowed her feelings, of course, but her actions screamed childish and it was hard to love her character at times.
• There is no reason a grown man of 38 years old should engage in gossip, and act like a child. No one thought to make him a tad bit more mature and communicate rather than have an emotional tantrum? AND ALL BEFORE A MISSION???? When he takes his job seriously???? He should have known that wasn’t the time or place for something like that when actively going on a mission.
• The letters and the grandma… still trying to figure out the point. Her abuelita could have flat out told her what happened instead of dragging it through to the end just to have another revelation from the grandfather. I get what the author was trying to do but WHAT DID THAT HAVE TO DO WITH VIOLET??? How did any of this impact or pertain to Violet and her personal life, besides finding out that her grandparents lives were like some novella on Telemundo?
Look - Overall this book was okay. I didn’t believe or love the romance but the spice was good. There were so many major plot points I feel that either got lost or didn’t make its mark. I truly wish this author the best on her debut and hope others love and enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
This story is what I love most reading: military romance, age gap, and a lot of action.
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
August 13, 2025
No bc what do you mean at 50% violet is still putting up with her cheating ex and letting him walk all over her???? I mean the girl is literally IN SPECIAL FORCES where she beats up men left and right, but is allowing her ex boyfriend to still act like they are together and that everything was her fault???? That honestly just didn’t sit right with me. Also I feel like after all the chemistry between violet and Kade there should have been SOMETHING to further their relationship, but sadly nothing happened. I feel like violet and Kade knew they liked eachother from the moment they saw one another, but continually forced themselves to be mean and nasty towards eachother and for what? I still don’t understand why they couldn’t be together. Also why was Kade continually asking if violet and his son were together when he literally caught his son cheating? I just didn’t understand that whatsoever. And why did booker all of a sudden have feelings for violet?? That was so weird and out of nowhere. And what does violet do? Chooses to go out with him, but continue to lust after Kade. And Kade brings his random hookup that he already had called off. Honestly when Kade found violet with his son still pretending to be his girlfriend I was just thoroughly annoyed. I really wanted to like this book, but just couldn’t get behind all the back and forth and how she was this tough baddy, but let her ex walk all over her.
October 4, 2025
even lauren roberts writes better. yall we're def paid to write glowing reviews for this shit.
August 12, 2025
standing 👏🏼 fucking 👏🏼 ovation 👏🏼
oh lexie 😩 you have completely ruined me again with this. i actually can’t get myself to finish reading “the end” because i simply just don’t want this book to be over. i wish i could be with these characters and their stories forever 🖤 thank you so much for giving me the chance to beta read !!
this is a dark military romance, set in the scarred executioners series world, ex-boyfriend’s dad, special forces instructor + student, forbidden, age gap, single dad, love letters, tension, angst, war, blood, action, duo pov, standalone ⚜️
“For those who feel hopeless, you are unbreakable.”
this book will immediately suck you in right from the beginning !! it is packed with angst, action, heartbreak, love, grief, and torment. absolute perfection 🙌🏼
i completely fell in love with these main characters, violet a student training for the special forces, and kade aka operator beast 🖤 they are two complex characters yet also full of love. they’re two souls finding their way to each other, similar in many ways yet also completely different. their walls are both built so high and concrete. they have a passion for being in the special forces and they always put others before themselves. violet and kade are officially my new favorite couple. they will forever taunt my mind and i’m not even mad about it 🫀
honoring her father’s legacy, violet decided to sign herself up to train for the special forces. she doesn’t have much support from her family besides her grandma and grandpa. not even from her boyfriend at the time. she’s going into this alone but with the drive to do this for her father, violet is such a strong woman. she doesn’t back down from biting back. especially when the hazing starts. this girl will literally put you in your place for fucking with her and i’m so in love with her 😍 kade is a single dad and has only ever known war and violence. he doesn’t let himself lose control and he keeps many things to himself. he fights many internal and mental demons while also keeping a level head every time. he never rests. there’s simply no time for that. he thought he lost everything that made him a human being, until violet’s stubbornness becomes the bane of his existence 🥰 what happens when they indulge in little sneaky links around the base ?? what happens when kade notices other men want violet ?? what happens when kade finds out she’s his son’s ex-girlfriend ?? 👀
the tea was HOT AND SPILLING throughout this book omg 😩☕️ from violet’s grandma and her letters between the love of her life, to the forbidden romance of violet and kade’s relationship, to the missions these soldiers go on, and to the way he only ever smiles at her and for her 🥹
lexie writes the most gripping and heart clenching military stories 🖤 they’re dark and full of tension. you just have to toughen up and hold it the fuck in because it’s always the last half of the book that will get your pulse beating rapidly to the point where you might actually faint 🫠 this was just a master piece. another absolute banger !! you definitely don’t have to read the other books in the series first before this as it is a standalone. but there are a couple names mentioned in which you can meet in books 1-3 !!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
oh lexie 😩 you have completely ruined me again with this. i actually can’t get myself to finish reading “the end” because i simply just don’t want this book to be over. i wish i could be with these characters and their stories forever 🖤 thank you so much for giving me the chance to beta read !!
this is a dark military romance, set in the scarred executioners series world, ex-boyfriend’s dad, special forces instructor + student, forbidden, age gap, single dad, love letters, tension, angst, war, blood, action, duo pov, standalone ⚜️
“For those who feel hopeless, you are unbreakable.”
this book will immediately suck you in right from the beginning !! it is packed with angst, action, heartbreak, love, grief, and torment. absolute perfection 🙌🏼
i completely fell in love with these main characters, violet a student training for the special forces, and kade aka operator beast 🖤 they are two complex characters yet also full of love. they’re two souls finding their way to each other, similar in many ways yet also completely different. their walls are both built so high and concrete. they have a passion for being in the special forces and they always put others before themselves. violet and kade are officially my new favorite couple. they will forever taunt my mind and i’m not even mad about it 🫀
honoring her father’s legacy, violet decided to sign herself up to train for the special forces. she doesn’t have much support from her family besides her grandma and grandpa. not even from her boyfriend at the time. she’s going into this alone but with the drive to do this for her father, violet is such a strong woman. she doesn’t back down from biting back. especially when the hazing starts. this girl will literally put you in your place for fucking with her and i’m so in love with her 😍 kade is a single dad and has only ever known war and violence. he doesn’t let himself lose control and he keeps many things to himself. he fights many internal and mental demons while also keeping a level head every time. he never rests. there’s simply no time for that. he thought he lost everything that made him a human being, until violet’s stubbornness becomes the bane of his existence 🥰 what happens when they indulge in little sneaky links around the base ?? what happens when kade notices other men want violet ?? what happens when kade finds out she’s his son’s ex-girlfriend ?? 👀
the tea was HOT AND SPILLING throughout this book omg 😩☕️ from violet’s grandma and her letters between the love of her life, to the forbidden romance of violet and kade’s relationship, to the missions these soldiers go on, and to the way he only ever smiles at her and for her 🥹
lexie writes the most gripping and heart clenching military stories 🖤 they’re dark and full of tension. you just have to toughen up and hold it the fuck in because it’s always the last half of the book that will get your pulse beating rapidly to the point where you might actually faint 🫠 this was just a master piece. another absolute banger !! you definitely don’t have to read the other books in the series first before this as it is a standalone. but there are a couple names mentioned in which you can meet in books 1-3 !!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
Якісь змішані відчуття після прочитання. Мені єдине що кінець зайшов, він був дуже емоційним хоча я догадувалась що так буде але не в таких масштабах. Але рада що все гарно закінчилось 🥰
Спочатку я думала що книга буде схожою на “Leave me behind” через це і почала читати але ні, зовсім інша. Не сподобалось мені написання, авторка не вдавалась в більший опис, тому просто поверхнево було все розписано. Трохи дивні в головних героїв вийшли стосунки, дуже здивувало на 80% книги питати «чому ти поступив у спецназ?» і твій улюблений фільм. Вони двоє і справді максимально закриті, і важко щось від них дізнатись, тому так і вийшло.
Вайолет авторка описує як дуже сильну, і незламного воїна але я б так не сказала, дуже в неї дитяча поведінка, істерика, панічні атаки і т.д, вона ж прекрасно знала куди йде а тут такі істерики закатувала.
Кейд сподобався, його брудний рот це щось🔥
Зіпсували дуже враження другорядні персонажі, з адекватних тільки бабуся🤷🏿♀️ ну і хлопці які були з ними.
Після прочитання я розчарована але книга якщо вже так не сильно оцінювати непогана. Кінець таки витягнув.
🍂
«Одного дня наші душі ідеально переплелися, покликавши одна одну, не вимагаючи пошуків чи зусиль. Один погляд на цього чоловіка, і я зрозуміла, що він вартий того, щоб за нього пролити кров.»
Якісь змішані відчуття після прочитання. Мені єдине що кінець зайшов, він був дуже емоційним хоча я догадувалась що так буде але не в таких масштабах. Але рада що все гарно закінчилось 🥰
Спочатку я думала що книга буде схожою на “Leave me behind” через це і почала читати але ні, зовсім інша. Не сподобалось мені написання, авторка не вдавалась в більший опис, тому просто поверхнево було все розписано. Трохи дивні в головних героїв вийшли стосунки, дуже здивувало на 80% книги питати «чому ти поступив у спецназ?» і твій улюблений фільм. Вони двоє і справді максимально закриті, і важко щось від них дізнатись, тому так і вийшло.
Вайолет авторка описує як дуже сильну, і незламного воїна але я б так не сказала, дуже в неї дитяча поведінка, істерика, панічні атаки і т.д, вона ж прекрасно знала куди йде а тут такі істерики закатувала.
Кейд сподобався, його брудний рот це щось🔥
Зіпсували дуже враження другорядні персонажі, з адекватних тільки бабуся🤷🏿♀️ ну і хлопці які були з ними.
Після прочитання я розчарована але книга якщо вже так не сильно оцінювати непогана. Кінець таки витягнув.
🍂
«Одного дня наші душі ідеально переплелися, покликавши одна одну, не вимагаючи пошуків чи зусиль. Один погляд на цього чоловіка, і я зрозуміла, що він вартий того, щоб за нього пролити кров.»
avoid-not-for-me-bad-tropes
August 12, 2025Would love safety on this one
August 15, 2025
they’re right: don’t judge a book by its cover
Want to read
August 28, 2025A military age-gap romance??? So he’s older & forbidden and her exs dad?? Say no more. Instantly adding this dark romance to my list.
My September calendar just cleared for another 🌶️ book!
My September calendar just cleared for another 🌶️ book!
October 26, 2025
Давно я не брала до рук роман, який не відпускав мене спати. Я тільки що закінчила читати і ні про що не шкодую. Це було дуже емоційно та добре. Сила та незламність Вайолет захоплює. Вона мені дуже сподобалась - вперта, розумна і така смілива. Кейд також сподобався, коли не думав постійно про те, що вони не можуть бути разом. Їхня хімія така прекрасна🥹
Я взагалі не читаю темні романи, тому навіть і не думала братись за цю історію. Але тропи перемогли і вирішила одним оком подивитись. І не помилалась. Це не було занадто темно, а якраз достатньо, щоб передати атмосферу війська. В кінці навіть розплакалась і знову задалась питанням: чому люди не можуть жити спокійно і влаштовують війни?!
І ще раз переконалась - якщо це твоя доля, то вона тебе знайде, якби ти не опирався❤️
Я взагалі не читаю темні романи, тому навіть і не думала братись за цю історію. Але тропи перемогли і вирішила одним оком подивитись. І не помилалась. Це не було занадто темно, а якраз достатньо, щоб передати атмосферу війська. В кінці навіть розплакалась і знову задалась питанням: чому люди не можуть жити спокійно і влаштовують війни?!
І ще раз переконалась - якщо це твоя доля, то вона тебе знайде, якби ти не опирався❤️
September 4, 2025
A 6⭐️ read without a doubt! What an incredible story. Lexie takes us on an emotional rollercoaster you won't soon forget! 🥹🖤
This was everything you could want in a military romance and more! It has a badass FMC and broody tortured MMC, with a forbidden romance aspect (her commanding officer AND her ex's dad👀), and did I mention age gap!?
The tension and chemistry between these 2 characters was intense and so freaking good! When the "f*ck it" moment finally came, it was so worth it!
Beyond this emotionally charged forbidden romance, admist an active war; we also get another love story. Violet's grandmother tells her story through written letters of her own forbidden romance with a soldier when she was younger. As the grandmother's love story unfolds, so too does Violet and Kade's story. This was absolutely perfection and I loved every second of it!
This was everything you could want in a military romance and more! It has a badass FMC and broody tortured MMC, with a forbidden romance aspect (her commanding officer AND her ex's dad👀), and did I mention age gap!?
The tension and chemistry between these 2 characters was intense and so freaking good! When the "f*ck it" moment finally came, it was so worth it!
Beyond this emotionally charged forbidden romance, admist an active war; we also get another love story. Violet's grandmother tells her story through written letters of her own forbidden romance with a soldier when she was younger. As the grandmother's love story unfolds, so too does Violet and Kade's story. This was absolutely perfection and I loved every second of it!
September 3, 2025
Have ever read a book and said :"I fell like it's going to be the trend for the next 5 years" ? Or have you read an author and you instantly know that she's going big?
Mariposa does it perfectly! I'm not saying it's a perfect book but it's a memorable one, it's a unique one that's going to set some future trends.
In short and without spoilers: MMC is a Master Sergeant in Special forces, his active name is "The Beast" and all his students call him the "monster". He's hard on them just because he's seen a lot of wars and wants them to be fully equipped and prepared. His only regret in life is that he never had a good relationship with his son that he had when he was 17. His son who is 22 now is distant from his father despite MMC trying to make several amends.
FMC's father's is A Special Force solider who died and she wants to honor his memory. Her shitty boyfriend doesn't support her and breaks up with her at the airport just before she would go to a rigorous one year military training. He gives her the most fucked up ultimatum "Stay, marry me, have kids and let me take care of you or I don't want you in my life anymore." Needless to say she left his dumb ass there and then.
Once FMC got to the training facility she found out that she's the only woman there among 30+men and prayed really hard not to get the "monster" aka MMC as her instructor. Surprise fucking surprise he was her instructor/ teacher/ superior in command who instantly did not like her and told her point blank "I'll enjoy breaking you."
Surprise second fucking surprise: MMC is the dad of FMC's shitty boyfriend.
So the forbidden x taboo elements in the story are a triple threat: Age-gap/ Teacher-Student/ Ex-boyfriend's dad which made the tension and especially the smut really smutting. Nevertheless, the book had its realistic/ sad/ bitter moments because hello we're talking about war here!
The book also checks the square of a novel with an "Orange cover" in my Bingo Challenge!
25⭕ ┃37⭕┃87┃13┃68⭕┃40⭕┃32┃59┃76┃44
10⭕┃86┃4 ┃45┃47┃98┃50⭕┃14⭕┃85┃75
88┃51┃ 9⭕┃2┃42⭕┃29⭕┃ 24┃92⭕┃ 82┃1⭕
100┃34⭕┃17⭕┃96┃43⭕┃49┃64⭕┃70┃15⭕┃38⭕
84┃31⭕┃ 62⭕┃7⭕┃21┃73┃28┃46⭕┃90┃77
3⭕┃12⭕┃80⭕┃ 69⭕┃52⭕┃ 65⭕┃54⭕┃ 91⭕┃23⭕┃ 72⭕
18┃95┃ 22┃99┃93┃74⭕┃41⭕┃8┃35⭕┃ 58⭕
57┃94┃ 16⭕┃56┃ 5⭕┃60⭕┃78⭕┃ 26┃81┃ 61
97┃48⭕┃ 79⭕┃67┃ 53⭕┃30⭕┃ 6⭕┃36⭕┃89⭕┃ 33⭕
71⭕┃19⭕┃ 39⭕┃66⭕┃ 55┃27⭕┃ 20⭕┃63┃ 11┃83
Mariposa does it perfectly! I'm not saying it's a perfect book but it's a memorable one, it's a unique one that's going to set some future trends.
In short and without spoilers: MMC is a Master Sergeant in Special forces, his active name is "The Beast" and all his students call him the "monster". He's hard on them just because he's seen a lot of wars and wants them to be fully equipped and prepared. His only regret in life is that he never had a good relationship with his son that he had when he was 17. His son who is 22 now is distant from his father despite MMC trying to make several amends.
FMC's father's is A Special Force solider who died and she wants to honor his memory. Her shitty boyfriend doesn't support her and breaks up with her at the airport just before she would go to a rigorous one year military training. He gives her the most fucked up ultimatum "Stay, marry me, have kids and let me take care of you or I don't want you in my life anymore." Needless to say she left his dumb ass there and then.
Once FMC got to the training facility she found out that she's the only woman there among 30+men and prayed really hard not to get the "monster" aka MMC as her instructor. Surprise fucking surprise he was her instructor/ teacher/ superior in command who instantly did not like her and told her point blank "I'll enjoy breaking you."
Surprise second fucking surprise: MMC is the dad of FMC's shitty boyfriend.
So the forbidden x taboo elements in the story are a triple threat: Age-gap/ Teacher-Student/ Ex-boyfriend's dad which made the tension and especially the smut really smutting. Nevertheless, the book had its realistic/ sad/ bitter moments because hello we're talking about war here!
The book also checks the square of a novel with an "Orange cover" in my Bingo Challenge!
25⭕ ┃37⭕┃87┃13┃68⭕┃40⭕┃32┃59┃76┃44
10⭕┃86┃4 ┃45┃47┃98┃50⭕┃14⭕┃85┃75
88┃51┃ 9⭕┃2┃42⭕┃29⭕┃ 24┃92⭕┃ 82┃1⭕
100┃34⭕┃17⭕┃96┃43⭕┃49┃64⭕┃70┃15⭕┃38⭕
84┃31⭕┃ 62⭕┃7⭕┃21┃73┃28┃46⭕┃90┃77
3⭕┃12⭕┃80⭕┃ 69⭕┃52⭕┃ 65⭕┃54⭕┃ 91⭕┃23⭕┃ 72⭕
18┃95┃ 22┃99┃93┃74⭕┃41⭕┃8┃35⭕┃ 58⭕
57┃94┃ 16⭕┃56┃ 5⭕┃60⭕┃78⭕┃ 26┃81┃ 61
97┃48⭕┃ 79⭕┃67┃ 53⭕┃30⭕┃ 6⭕┃36⭕┃89⭕┃ 33⭕
71⭕┃19⭕┃ 39⭕┃66⭕┃ 55┃27⭕┃ 20⭕┃63┃ 11┃83
December 17, 2025
Duet style narration 5/5🎧
Story 4/5⭐️
Spice 3,75/5 🌶️ - hearing some scenes on audio 🥵sheesh! 🔥
If you are unsure about the story, consider checking it on audio, because both narrators bring a lot of depth and passion into it!
There’s 17 years age gap between the main characters!
I went through a carousel of feelings from: annoyed, angry, sad, hot and bothered but also to crying and missing my grandparents!
There is a lot of backstory (which I liked actually) about MMC’s family history and FMC’s family members and dynamic and a bittersweet nostalgic story of her grandmother’s former romance. You also get many scenes in the army setting but that’s to be expected since it is a military relationship. Due to their line of work the relationship is forbidden.
Story is safe(ish) - they do not cheat to be together nor on each other, FMC broke up with her long term boyfriend (which happens to be MMC’s son - he had him at 17) and MMC hasn’t been with anyone for over a year!
There is some misunderstanding and miscommunication between main couple but it doesn’t drag on, the issues are solved pretty quickly.
There is OP drama but nothing drastic that had me bothered!
FMC’s former boyfriend wants her back but it is out of comfort, he is in fact cheating on her. MMC is very conflicted about his feelings for FMC and not wanting to hurt his son (they are estranged - because his ex wife and mother of his son hated his career and felt lonely and cheated on him and did not understand his reasons for choosing a military career) and it takes time for their relationship to get stronger, initially being based more on attraction and lust.
OW that MMC used to hook up with is from military background and wants him but nothing happens between them (he wants nothing to do with her since he met FMC) but unfortunately, she manages to destroy their relationship threatening to report them and making MMC doubt FMC!
I do recommend this one on audio it is available on Everand, Storytel, Nextory and on other credit based services.
Story 4/5⭐️
Spice 3,75/5 🌶️ - hearing some scenes on audio 🥵sheesh! 🔥
If you are unsure about the story, consider checking it on audio, because both narrators bring a lot of depth and passion into it!
There’s 17 years age gap between the main characters!
I went through a carousel of feelings from: annoyed, angry, sad, hot and bothered but also to crying and missing my grandparents!
There is a lot of backstory (which I liked actually) about MMC’s family history and FMC’s family members and dynamic and a bittersweet nostalgic story of her grandmother’s former romance. You also get many scenes in the army setting but that’s to be expected since it is a military relationship. Due to their line of work the relationship is forbidden.
Story is safe(ish) - they do not cheat to be together nor on each other, FMC broke up with her long term boyfriend (which happens to be MMC’s son - he had him at 17) and MMC hasn’t been with anyone for over a year!
There is some misunderstanding and miscommunication between main couple but it doesn’t drag on, the issues are solved pretty quickly.
There is OP drama but nothing drastic that had me bothered!
FMC’s former boyfriend wants her back but it is out of comfort, he is in fact cheating on her. MMC is very conflicted about his feelings for FMC and not wanting to hurt his son (they are estranged - because his ex wife and mother of his son hated his career and felt lonely and cheated on him and did not understand his reasons for choosing a military career) and it takes time for their relationship to get stronger, initially being based more on attraction and lust.
OW that MMC used to hook up with is from military background and wants him but nothing happens between them (he wants nothing to do with her since he met FMC) but unfortunately, she manages to destroy their relationship threatening to report them and making MMC doubt FMC!
I do recommend this one on audio it is available on Everand, Storytel, Nextory and on other credit based services.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was alright. I read this while traveling so I won't be doing my full review in hopes of not misrepresenting it. It had some enjoyable parts, but it was also lacking in some ways that make this a "just okay" 3 star read. While I liked the characters and how they were damaged and found peace in each other, I needed more of a connection past the smutty scenes. I really wanted both of them to be more vulnerable. I also thought it was kinda disappointing how the Adam thing played out as a way to justify the mc's behavior. The ending was way too rushed and while I appreciate that we got HEA, I think it was lackluster.
This would probably be either Safe with exception or Not Safe depending on personal preferences.
Quick Opinion: This was alright. I read this while traveling so I won't be doing my full review in hopes of not misrepresenting it. It had some enjoyable parts, but it was also lacking in some ways that make this a "just okay" 3 star read. While I liked the characters and how they were damaged and found peace in each other, I needed more of a connection past the smutty scenes. I really wanted both of them to be more vulnerable. I also thought it was kinda disappointing how the Adam thing played out as a way to justify the mc's behavior. The ending was way too rushed and while I appreciate that we got HEA, I think it was lackluster.
This would probably be either Safe with exception or Not Safe depending on personal preferences.
August 14, 2025
This was okay but it lost me in a lot of places. The taboo aspect held my attention but honestly that was the only thing it really had going for it. The pace jumped around too much for my liking, and then the ending was way too rushed to even feel complete. I think there was just too much going on in one book and it didn't work together as well as it should have.
August 31, 2025
fue spicy, bastante triste, romántico y con muchas, pero muchas escenas de acción
December 4, 2025
Mariposa is a mixed of comedy and some serious plot. It is military romance. I like the book. I like the characters and Miss Axelson is putting the right amount of drama into it.
I am looming forward for the second book.
4 stars
I am looming forward for the second book.
4 stars
August 28, 2025
Mariposa by Lexie Axelson
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
This was my first book by this author, and I have to say, I jumped in with no expectations at all. I was honestly blown away by how much I loved it! The main characters are so lovely and relatable, and their chemistry is off the charts. The banter had me laughing, and the suspense kept my heart racing. There were definitely moments that brought tears to my eyes.
Violet is such a fantastic character! She's strong, independent, determined, and a bit stubborn, but she never backs down from a challenge. Even with all her strength, she has her vulnerabilities, carrying this heavy guilt that she really shouldn’t feel. It broke my heart to see how unsupported she is by her own mother and sister. All she wants is their love and support, but instead, they blame her for things that aren’t her fault.
Then there's Kade, who is not only Violet's superior in the military but also her ex-boyfriend’s dad. He's known as "Beast" because he comes across as ruthless and cold. But beneath that tough exterior, he truly cares about his comrades and takes his responsibilities seriously. Despite wanting Violet to fail and return to her family, he finds himself drawn to her determination and fierceness.
The tension between Violet and Kade is electrifying! The push and pull, along with their banter, make their dynamic even more entertaining. Kade tries so hard to keep his distance, but it’s clear he’s struggling to resist Violet’s brightness. I loved seeing her break down his walls and find her way into his heart. Overall, this was a fantastic read! If you enjoy action, suspense, and a passionate love story with a forbidden aspect, then you need to check this one out!
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
This was my first book by this author, and I have to say, I jumped in with no expectations at all. I was honestly blown away by how much I loved it! The main characters are so lovely and relatable, and their chemistry is off the charts. The banter had me laughing, and the suspense kept my heart racing. There were definitely moments that brought tears to my eyes.
Violet is such a fantastic character! She's strong, independent, determined, and a bit stubborn, but she never backs down from a challenge. Even with all her strength, she has her vulnerabilities, carrying this heavy guilt that she really shouldn’t feel. It broke my heart to see how unsupported she is by her own mother and sister. All she wants is their love and support, but instead, they blame her for things that aren’t her fault.
Then there's Kade, who is not only Violet's superior in the military but also her ex-boyfriend’s dad. He's known as "Beast" because he comes across as ruthless and cold. But beneath that tough exterior, he truly cares about his comrades and takes his responsibilities seriously. Despite wanting Violet to fail and return to her family, he finds himself drawn to her determination and fierceness.
The tension between Violet and Kade is electrifying! The push and pull, along with their banter, make their dynamic even more entertaining. Kade tries so hard to keep his distance, but it’s clear he’s struggling to resist Violet’s brightness. I loved seeing her break down his walls and find her way into his heart. Overall, this was a fantastic read! If you enjoy action, suspense, and a passionate love story with a forbidden aspect, then you need to check this one out!
December 1, 2025
5 stars!!! AMAZING
Lexie just delivered a dark military romance that dragged me through barbed wire emotions and I loved every bloody second. I swear I tried to slow down, but this book gripped me by the collar and said “no, you’re mine.” 1st chapter in and I had two of my coworkers and my bestie reading this with me asap!
Violet? A full-force hurricane in combat boots. She walks into hell alone and still manages to bite back harder than anyone coming for her.
Kade? A war-scarred single dad with a locked-down heart who unravels the second she steps into his orbit. Controlled. Dangerous. Obsessed without admitting it. Every time another man looks at her? Nuclear-level tension.
Forbidden. Age gap. Instructor/student. Ex’s dad. Missions. Secrets. Letters. Jealousy. Heat you can feel through the screen. And enough emotional damage to last me through the year.
Lexie doesn’t write stories — she writes live grenades.
And this one? Exploded directly in my soul.
Lexie just delivered a dark military romance that dragged me through barbed wire emotions and I loved every bloody second. I swear I tried to slow down, but this book gripped me by the collar and said “no, you’re mine.” 1st chapter in and I had two of my coworkers and my bestie reading this with me asap!
Violet? A full-force hurricane in combat boots. She walks into hell alone and still manages to bite back harder than anyone coming for her.
Kade? A war-scarred single dad with a locked-down heart who unravels the second she steps into his orbit. Controlled. Dangerous. Obsessed without admitting it. Every time another man looks at her? Nuclear-level tension.
Forbidden. Age gap. Instructor/student. Ex’s dad. Missions. Secrets. Letters. Jealousy. Heat you can feel through the screen. And enough emotional damage to last me through the year.
Lexie doesn’t write stories — she writes live grenades.
And this one? Exploded directly in my soul.
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