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Villains of Kassel #2
Gilded Locks: A Wicked Why Choose Retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears
A Dark Reverse Harem Romance
She broke into the wrong house.
Now, three brutal men will make her pay—with her body, her secrets, and her soul.
When runaway heiress Marigold Calder crashes into the forbidden Isles of Kassel during a blizzard, she's desperate for shelter. The isolated mountain lodge seems like salvation, until she realizes it belongs to The Bears, three massive Russian brothers who own the most exclusive—and dangerous—private men's club in Kassel.
HUNTER – The violent one who takes what he wants🔥
STONE – The cold mastermind who'll break her with a single look🔥
ASH – The deceptively gentle one who's anything but safe🔥
In Kassel, trespassing has a price. And once they catch her sleeping in their bed, eating their food, and wearing their clothes, these territorial predators decide she’s theirs.
Trapped by the storm and their obsession, Marigold discovers a dark connection between their families that turns their hospitality into a hunt for revenge. Now, they won’t just keep her, they’ll ruin her.
A scorching hot, morally grey, billionaire reverse harem featuring possessive anti-heroes, forced proximity, primal dominance, explosive chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to break. This standalone dark romance contains mature themes and explicit scenes that will leave you breathless.
Step into their den... if you dare.
Reverse Harem/Why Choose • Dark Romance • Forced Proximity • Snowbound • Captive Romance • Morally Grey Heroes • Touch Her and Die • Possessive/Obsessive • Enemies to Lovers • Found Family • Russian Heroes • Private Club • Billionaire Romance • Secret Identity • Revenge Plot • High Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
She broke into the wrong house.
Now, three brutal men will make her pay—with her body, her secrets, and her soul.
When runaway heiress Marigold Calder crashes into the forbidden Isles of Kassel during a blizzard, she's desperate for shelter. The isolated mountain lodge seems like salvation, until she realizes it belongs to The Bears, three massive Russian brothers who own the most exclusive—and dangerous—private men's club in Kassel.
HUNTER – The violent one who takes what he wants🔥
STONE – The cold mastermind who'll break her with a single look🔥
ASH – The deceptively gentle one who's anything but safe🔥
In Kassel, trespassing has a price. And once they catch her sleeping in their bed, eating their food, and wearing their clothes, these territorial predators decide she’s theirs.
Trapped by the storm and their obsession, Marigold discovers a dark connection between their families that turns their hospitality into a hunt for revenge. Now, they won’t just keep her, they’ll ruin her.
A scorching hot, morally grey, billionaire reverse harem featuring possessive anti-heroes, forced proximity, primal dominance, explosive chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to break. This standalone dark romance contains mature themes and explicit scenes that will leave you breathless.
Step into their den... if you dare.
Reverse Harem/Why Choose • Dark Romance • Forced Proximity • Snowbound • Captive Romance • Morally Grey Heroes • Touch Her and Die • Possessive/Obsessive • Enemies to Lovers • Found Family • Russian Heroes • Private Club • Billionaire Romance • Secret Identity • Revenge Plot • High Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
22 people are currently reading
2745 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
74 books1,921 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 4, 2025
This is the second book In the villains of Kassel series and I loved it so much.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 17, 2025
OKAY… what can I even say about three big Russian brothers who all want one woman? Lydia Michaels once again delivers an incredible story! The imagery was so vivid I could practically see myself as Mary, our modern-day Goldilocks, stepping right into the bear den. Each brother was uniquely tempting, taking control in his own irresistible way. My hopelessly romantic brain kept rooting for her to pick just one (LOL), but honestly, I adored them all and their fierce, single minded devotion to Mary. The fairy tale parallels were perfectly woven in, familiar yet fresh. So buckle up for this sexy, steamy retelling. It’ll have you squirming in your seat and begging for more!
October 28, 2025
This is a very darker than dark storyline. It deals with torture, rape, sexual consent on the darker side of the spectrum, it deals with forced mental health treatment of electrical shock therapy or was it punishment. But it is also a very powerful love story between 3 men and their woman. It shows that women are very strong and powerful by choosing to be more than they have suffered at the hands of a very violent ruthless man. Jordan wants to control women at any cost and does fear any consequences of his actions until he feels the rath of the Volkov trio. Stone , Ash and Hunter Volkov run an exclusive membership for those that have very specific interests but it is done with strict consent of all those involved on their private island.
Marigold and Katya suffer differently from Jordan’s abuse but they both choose to be more than a victim. They are survivors and thrive past their abuse. He is punished by the three bears for his transgressions. There is so much depth to this storyline and the characters that is hard to explain it all. It is very well written . I like the reference to childhood fairytales of Goldilocks and the three bears with the bed scene. It made me chuckle. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. The ending was a pure masterpiece. I would give it more than 5 stars if possible
I received this book free via BookFunnel and the author for an honest review.
Marigold and Katya suffer differently from Jordan’s abuse but they both choose to be more than a victim. They are survivors and thrive past their abuse. He is punished by the three bears for his transgressions. There is so much depth to this storyline and the characters that is hard to explain it all. It is very well written . I like the reference to childhood fairytales of Goldilocks and the three bears with the bed scene. It made me chuckle. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. The ending was a pure masterpiece. I would give it more than 5 stars if possible
I received this book free via BookFunnel and the author for an honest review.
February 8, 2026
Rating
5 💎
3 🌶️
Quick Summary
Honestly, this Goldilocks retelling is pure fire ‘dark, dangerous, and totally addictive’. The three possessive brothers were intense, and the way they helped Marigold break out of her shell was epic. Hunter surprised me big time, going from villain to favourite. If you love stories with sizzling chemistry and emotional twists, this one’s for you!
Reading Thoughts
📗Wow the way the Goldilocks story was weaved into this story was so well done
📗These 3 males are the definition of possessive and dangerous and I was so there for it
📗The way that they opened Marigold up in all ways was epic
📗The trauma that Marigold had suffered but the way they cherished her in their dark ways was divine.
📗Hunter was my fav and I know you are not supposed to have favs but I hated him until I loved him.
Words that linger
🍷 “This is our house. Our island. Our rules.”
🍷 “Then what would you call someone who enters a home uninvited, consumes the owners’ food, wears their clothes, and sleeps in their bed?”
🍷 “Stone makes you shut down. Hunter makes you fight. But me? I make you think.”
🍷 They had no idea how far she’d go to get the life she deserved. She was done running. Done being prey.
Tropes
🐻Fairytale retelling
🐻Brotherhood
🐻Billionaires
🐻Why Choose
🐻Traumatic past
5 💎
3 🌶️
Quick Summary
Honestly, this Goldilocks retelling is pure fire ‘dark, dangerous, and totally addictive’. The three possessive brothers were intense, and the way they helped Marigold break out of her shell was epic. Hunter surprised me big time, going from villain to favourite. If you love stories with sizzling chemistry and emotional twists, this one’s for you!
Reading Thoughts
📗Wow the way the Goldilocks story was weaved into this story was so well done
📗These 3 males are the definition of possessive and dangerous and I was so there for it
📗The way that they opened Marigold up in all ways was epic
📗The trauma that Marigold had suffered but the way they cherished her in their dark ways was divine.
📗Hunter was my fav and I know you are not supposed to have favs but I hated him until I loved him.
Words that linger
🍷 “This is our house. Our island. Our rules.”
🍷 “Then what would you call someone who enters a home uninvited, consumes the owners’ food, wears their clothes, and sleeps in their bed?”
🍷 “Stone makes you shut down. Hunter makes you fight. But me? I make you think.”
🍷 They had no idea how far she’d go to get the life she deserved. She was done running. Done being prey.
Tropes
🐻Fairytale retelling
🐻Brotherhood
🐻Billionaires
🐻Why Choose
🐻Traumatic past
November 12, 2025
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, hardly - but these characters sure do weave a tale - the men Hunter, Ash and Stone have rules, its up to Marigold whether she wants to follow them, being taken care of by all, to be shared - but totally loved by the men, who want to become the most important aspect of her life.
Marigold hasn't had an easy life - her step-brother, Jordan, is not a nice man - taking what he wants, from whoever the flavor of the moment is - he's made an enemy of his step-sister, no-one believes anything she has to say. She flees from where she has been 'staying'; a dangerous water crossing, on a dilapidated boat - she lands on a island, it's winter, she is freezing - but she sees a light in the distance, she makes her way to the -> WOW a mansion, she finds her way inside - things progress just like the nursery rhyme states, but the bears are not to be trivialized. The way the author has described them, yum! They are really insatiable. My imagination was definitely working overtime.
Marigold's brother is a evil man - and he's made enemies he doesn't even know - but the brothers will exact revenge, especially after what they find out about Marigold's past - it's so justified - everything, satisfying.
Marigold deserves her happiness with the 'Bears' - this story you need to read - there is so much more to the book - the well rounded characters, and the chemistry, different with each man.
Marigold hasn't had an easy life - her step-brother, Jordan, is not a nice man - taking what he wants, from whoever the flavor of the moment is - he's made an enemy of his step-sister, no-one believes anything she has to say. She flees from where she has been 'staying'; a dangerous water crossing, on a dilapidated boat - she lands on a island, it's winter, she is freezing - but she sees a light in the distance, she makes her way to the -> WOW a mansion, she finds her way inside - things progress just like the nursery rhyme states, but the bears are not to be trivialized. The way the author has described them, yum! They are really insatiable. My imagination was definitely working overtime.
Marigold's brother is a evil man - and he's made enemies he doesn't even know - but the brothers will exact revenge, especially after what they find out about Marigold's past - it's so justified - everything, satisfying.
Marigold deserves her happiness with the 'Bears' - this story you need to read - there is so much more to the book - the well rounded characters, and the chemistry, different with each man.
November 11, 2025
Spicy 🌶️ spicy 🌶️ spicy 🌶️ spicy 🌶️!! Goldilocks like I’ve never read it before and I loved it! Reverse harem trope great! This was the first novel I’ve read by Lydia but it definitely won’t be the last!
November 6, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
February 23, 2026
Goldilocks gets a dark, Why-Choose makeover—and it's scorching.
Gilded Locks is the second dark romance in the Villains of Kassel series by Lydia Michaels. This is a gritty dark retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that pushes every boundary.
The story follows Marigold, a woman on the run from a family that wants her gone. She seeks refuge in the Isles of Kassel, unknowingly stepping onto the private island of the Volkov brothers—infamously known as 'The Three Bears.'
In a nod to the original fairytale, Marigold enters their home, sampling their food, beds, and clothes. But she is never truly alone. The brothers have the entire estate under high-tech surveillance, watching her every move.
This is a Why-Choose / Reverse Harem story where Marigold finds herself entangled with all three brothers: Hunter, the terrifying eldest; Stone, the calculating mastermind; and Ash, who is deceptively gentle. The Volkovs take Marigold under their protection, vowing revenge against her brother, who has also wronged their family.
In this dark fairytale retelling, you will walk into forbidden territory. This book is unapologetically spicy; as a believer in lifelong learning, I actually had to 'research' the logistics of one particular scene because my imagination struggled to fit the third guy! It was… enlightening.
While the romantic arc is undeniably obsessive and provocative, Marigold’s personal journey is a bittersweet exploration of healing from past trauma and reclaiming her agency. Though the Volkovs initially hold her captive as punishment, her choice to stay becomes her own.
This is a dark romance with mature elements—it is not for readers who prefer 'golden retriever' heroes. The Volkov brothers are as cold and harsh as their Russian roots.
Lydia Michaels takes a classic story and adds her own dark twist. Read this with an open mind and appreciate the character growth. As the author says: “If you need sunshine and safe words, this isn’t your book.”
TROPES:
🐻 Reverse Harem / Why Choose
🐻 Dark Romance Retelling
🐻 Forced Proximity
🐻 Morally Grey Heroes
🐻 Possessive / Obsessive Alpha Males
Content Warnings: Explicit sexual content, sexual assault of a secondary character (off-page), branding, and group scenes (MMMF).
Lydia at her dark best, if you are intrigued - enter the den.
"She broke into the wrong house. Now, three brutal men will make her pay—with her body, her secrets, and her soul."
Gilded Locks is the second dark romance in the Villains of Kassel series by Lydia Michaels. This is a gritty dark retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that pushes every boundary.
The story follows Marigold, a woman on the run from a family that wants her gone. She seeks refuge in the Isles of Kassel, unknowingly stepping onto the private island of the Volkov brothers—infamously known as 'The Three Bears.'
In a nod to the original fairytale, Marigold enters their home, sampling their food, beds, and clothes. But she is never truly alone. The brothers have the entire estate under high-tech surveillance, watching her every move.
This is a Why-Choose / Reverse Harem story where Marigold finds herself entangled with all three brothers: Hunter, the terrifying eldest; Stone, the calculating mastermind; and Ash, who is deceptively gentle. The Volkovs take Marigold under their protection, vowing revenge against her brother, who has also wronged their family.
In this dark fairytale retelling, you will walk into forbidden territory. This book is unapologetically spicy; as a believer in lifelong learning, I actually had to 'research' the logistics of one particular scene because my imagination struggled to fit the third guy! It was… enlightening.
While the romantic arc is undeniably obsessive and provocative, Marigold’s personal journey is a bittersweet exploration of healing from past trauma and reclaiming her agency. Though the Volkovs initially hold her captive as punishment, her choice to stay becomes her own.
This is a dark romance with mature elements—it is not for readers who prefer 'golden retriever' heroes. The Volkov brothers are as cold and harsh as their Russian roots.
Lydia Michaels takes a classic story and adds her own dark twist. Read this with an open mind and appreciate the character growth. As the author says: “If you need sunshine and safe words, this isn’t your book.”
TROPES:
🐻 Reverse Harem / Why Choose
🐻 Dark Romance Retelling
🐻 Forced Proximity
🐻 Morally Grey Heroes
🐻 Possessive / Obsessive Alpha Males
Content Warnings: Explicit sexual content, sexual assault of a secondary character (off-page), branding, and group scenes (MMMF).
Lydia at her dark best, if you are intrigued - enter the den.
November 6, 2025
Gilded Locks is the second book in the Villains of Kassel series and a great addition it is.
It is a dark romance, a retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears with a few amusing references to the original book certain to bring a smile to your face, especially when she is trying out the beds. This is essentially a love story between 3 men and their woman. We have the Volkov men, Stone, Ash and Hunter they run an exclusive club for those with very specific interests but all members must give their absolute consent to participate, and this club is on an exclusive island. Marigold is fleeing an abusive and terrible situation and has a fake identity and invitation to an exclusive club on a beautiful island, she is in a boat, with someone else’s, clothes, shoes, invitation in her coat pocket and hits the most violent and dangerous storm, she loses everything overboard and almost drowns until she finally lands onshore, she is freezing, wet and bleeding when she staggers up the beach and finds an amazing house! She finds it open, manages to light a fire, put some oversized clothes on, eat a snack and finds a warm bed to sleep in, where she is found fast asleep by the Volkov trio, has she escaped her horror situation for one even worse?
A captivating, entertaining storyline with characters that you will love and love to hate and love again, you will at times be on the edge of your seat and be fanning yourself in the very hot steamy scenes, another brilliantly written story by Ms Michaels!
Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down until the very last page!
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily
It is a dark romance, a retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears with a few amusing references to the original book certain to bring a smile to your face, especially when she is trying out the beds. This is essentially a love story between 3 men and their woman. We have the Volkov men, Stone, Ash and Hunter they run an exclusive club for those with very specific interests but all members must give their absolute consent to participate, and this club is on an exclusive island. Marigold is fleeing an abusive and terrible situation and has a fake identity and invitation to an exclusive club on a beautiful island, she is in a boat, with someone else’s, clothes, shoes, invitation in her coat pocket and hits the most violent and dangerous storm, she loses everything overboard and almost drowns until she finally lands onshore, she is freezing, wet and bleeding when she staggers up the beach and finds an amazing house! She finds it open, manages to light a fire, put some oversized clothes on, eat a snack and finds a warm bed to sleep in, where she is found fast asleep by the Volkov trio, has she escaped her horror situation for one even worse?
A captivating, entertaining storyline with characters that you will love and love to hate and love again, you will at times be on the edge of your seat and be fanning yourself in the very hot steamy scenes, another brilliantly written story by Ms Michaels!
Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down until the very last page!
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily
February 2, 2026
When Lydia says this is a wicked retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, she is not kidding! This book is definitely on the darker side, and I recommend you check your trigger warnings. The line for consent can be a little gray...
We have Marigold aka Mary who is on the run and crashes into the Isles of Kassel during a blizzard and on the verge of freezing to death. She is desperately trying to survive and find shelter and that is when she finds the isolated lodge that looks like salvation until she realizes she has stepped right into the bears den...
Hunter, Stone, and Ash are Russian brothers that are wicked, tortured, cold, and like to be in control. They own the most exclusive private men's club in Kassel. Marigold has entered their lodge (home), ate their food, and slept in their bed and now they are going to cash in for what she owes them. She is trapped there due to the storm, and she has a choice, she can leave and go back to where/who she is running from, or she can submit to them and stay.
We jump into the spice pretty early and it is heavy throughout the book, but there is still a storyline. I will say that everything does move rather quickly in this one. This is a why choose, but there really isn't any choosing, except whether or not she is going to stay. We also get Goldilocks references all throughout the book as well. Again, this one is dark so please check your triggers. Lots of trauma. Thank you, Lydia, for the copy to read!
We have Marigold aka Mary who is on the run and crashes into the Isles of Kassel during a blizzard and on the verge of freezing to death. She is desperately trying to survive and find shelter and that is when she finds the isolated lodge that looks like salvation until she realizes she has stepped right into the bears den...
Hunter, Stone, and Ash are Russian brothers that are wicked, tortured, cold, and like to be in control. They own the most exclusive private men's club in Kassel. Marigold has entered their lodge (home), ate their food, and slept in their bed and now they are going to cash in for what she owes them. She is trapped there due to the storm, and she has a choice, she can leave and go back to where/who she is running from, or she can submit to them and stay.
We jump into the spice pretty early and it is heavy throughout the book, but there is still a storyline. I will say that everything does move rather quickly in this one. This is a why choose, but there really isn't any choosing, except whether or not she is going to stay. We also get Goldilocks references all throughout the book as well. Again, this one is dark so please check your triggers. Lots of trauma. Thank you, Lydia, for the copy to read!
February 4, 2026
Marigold struggled up the rough terrain through the brutal storm. She had intended to go to the Isles of Kassel, not this frozen wasteland. But, she needed shelter after barely surviving the boat shattering against the rocks.
She had hoped to find sanctuary in the modern-day Eden with the invitation and stolen identity. It was her only option to escape her family. No one could know where she had disappeared to.
Stone Volkov was facing the wall of monitors, watching the woman who shouldn't have survived the aftermath of the boat that crashed against the rocks that surrounded their island.
As he watched her struggle through the treacherous storm and terrain, he hit the alarm to unlock the door, giving her access to their castle, curious to see what she would do. He and his brothers would find out who she was and how she had found their inaccessible island.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
This reverse harem dark romance is a modern retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Marigold is running from her family and who better to protect her than the three scary men whose home she had crashed into?
This book is action-packed, full of danger and spicy hot! This twisted retelling will have you turning the pages as Marigold tries to keep her identity secret from Stone, Hunter and Ash. Highly recommend!
She had hoped to find sanctuary in the modern-day Eden with the invitation and stolen identity. It was her only option to escape her family. No one could know where she had disappeared to.
Stone Volkov was facing the wall of monitors, watching the woman who shouldn't have survived the aftermath of the boat that crashed against the rocks that surrounded their island.
As he watched her struggle through the treacherous storm and terrain, he hit the alarm to unlock the door, giving her access to their castle, curious to see what she would do. He and his brothers would find out who she was and how she had found their inaccessible island.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
This reverse harem dark romance is a modern retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Marigold is running from her family and who better to protect her than the three scary men whose home she had crashed into?
This book is action-packed, full of danger and spicy hot! This twisted retelling will have you turning the pages as Marigold tries to keep her identity secret from Stone, Hunter and Ash. Highly recommend!
November 10, 2025
Thanks to Lydia Michaels for the ARC! My opinions are my own!
Running from a sad and terrifying past heiress Marigold Calder crashes her boat upon the shore of the island of Kassel. She is freezing and seeking food and shelter from the storm when she enters the castle of Hunter, Stone, and Ash. These three brothers are intimidating to say the least. They are three Russian “Bears” who own this castle, which happens to be an exclusive men’s club. What are they going to do with their little trespasser, read and find out.
Whoo is this book steamy. This book was so interesting it had me hooked! The past Marigold had was so scary and sad with all of the trauma she endured and I love how powerful it made her when it could have broken her! I love the plot as it made me have strong emotions and the depth of the characters was well written. The steamy aspects were mixed in and kept me interested. The brothers were so different and had different character traits, backstories, and flaws, it made the story so dynamic and realistic. The pacing was perfect and there were no slow spots!
I highly recommend this book. Great read.
Running from a sad and terrifying past heiress Marigold Calder crashes her boat upon the shore of the island of Kassel. She is freezing and seeking food and shelter from the storm when she enters the castle of Hunter, Stone, and Ash. These three brothers are intimidating to say the least. They are three Russian “Bears” who own this castle, which happens to be an exclusive men’s club. What are they going to do with their little trespasser, read and find out.
Whoo is this book steamy. This book was so interesting it had me hooked! The past Marigold had was so scary and sad with all of the trauma she endured and I love how powerful it made her when it could have broken her! I love the plot as it made me have strong emotions and the depth of the characters was well written. The steamy aspects were mixed in and kept me interested. The brothers were so different and had different character traits, backstories, and flaws, it made the story so dynamic and realistic. The pacing was perfect and there were no slow spots!
I highly recommend this book. Great read.
November 5, 2025
So intense! You can really feel all the emotions Marigold goes through in this dark version of Goldilocks as she struggles to figure out her future - desperation, fear, curiosity, shame, excitement, power, and of course, passion. It's so fun to see how Lydia will write these old tales with modern twists (and lots of spice!). Who would've thought 3 bears are just a classic reverse harem? Not me, but I'm here for it! So glad she went there. Whew, need a cold drink now. Enjoy!
I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review.
My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF
I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review.
My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF
October 29, 2025
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
This is a retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears, it's dark, its twisted and I LOVE this version so much more!
Marigold has escaped her old life and is on the run, she has stumbled straight into the bears den...
Hunter is violent and takes what he wants.
Stone is cold, a mastermind who could break her with one look.
Ash is the deceptively gentle one, but is far from safe...
Now the question is, what is safer, the bears den or the life she ran from?
I love, love, LOVED this retelling! it was captivating, keep you on the edge!
The story was great, the MCs even better! Pull up your winter socks and get snowed in with this 5 ⭐️ read!
This is a retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears, it's dark, its twisted and I LOVE this version so much more!
Marigold has escaped her old life and is on the run, she has stumbled straight into the bears den...
Hunter is violent and takes what he wants.
Stone is cold, a mastermind who could break her with one look.
Ash is the deceptively gentle one, but is far from safe...
Now the question is, what is safer, the bears den or the life she ran from?
I love, love, LOVED this retelling! it was captivating, keep you on the edge!
The story was great, the MCs even better! Pull up your winter socks and get snowed in with this 5 ⭐️ read!
November 2, 2025
Story 4.5 ⭐️
Spice 4.5 🌶️
Gilded Locks is a fun reimagining of Goldilocks and the Three Bears where Marigold is Goldilocks and the 3 MMCs (Hunter, Stone, and Ash) are the 3 bears.
Marigold washes up on shore outside of the MMCs place and seeks refuge from the storm that brought her there. They offer to let her stay and offer her protection in exchange for her doing whatever they want from her. The men do make it clear that if she doesn’t do what they want, they will send her back. It doesn’t take long though before Marigold is a willing participant, especially when they protect her.
Spice 4.5 🌶️
Gilded Locks is a fun reimagining of Goldilocks and the Three Bears where Marigold is Goldilocks and the 3 MMCs (Hunter, Stone, and Ash) are the 3 bears.
Marigold washes up on shore outside of the MMCs place and seeks refuge from the storm that brought her there. They offer to let her stay and offer her protection in exchange for her doing whatever they want from her. The men do make it clear that if she doesn’t do what they want, they will send her back. It doesn’t take long though before Marigold is a willing participant, especially when they protect her.
November 6, 2025
WOW.
Literally no words.
Take care when reading and read the TW's beforehand. I don't know whether I would truly classify this as a dark romance as it isn't really dark although there are dark elements. These men are the definition of touch her and d** and they will burn the world down for her to rebuild in the ashes. I loved everything about this book.
Also who doesn't love some SIMP Russian men who are complete bad asses? Swoon.
Lydia you did it again with this one. I really hope this series comes out with some beautiful special editions in print because I will immediately buy them.
*Received as an ARC for my honest review*
Literally no words.
Take care when reading and read the TW's beforehand. I don't know whether I would truly classify this as a dark romance as it isn't really dark although there are dark elements. These men are the definition of touch her and d** and they will burn the world down for her to rebuild in the ashes. I loved everything about this book.
Also who doesn't love some SIMP Russian men who are complete bad asses? Swoon.
Lydia you did it again with this one. I really hope this series comes out with some beautiful special editions in print because I will immediately buy them.
*Received as an ARC for my honest review*
October 30, 2025
Thank you to Lydia Michaels for the opportunity to read this book early. This is a very modern, red hot spicy twist on goldilocks and the three bears. The spice was intense and the plot and characters were well developed over the book. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book and flew through the second half, staying up well into the night. Looking forward to more from this series!
November 5, 2025
Surrender
Marigold has escaped to this frozen wasteland to find what she thinks is salvation in a fortress. But the men who live here aren’t safe and when they find out who she is they will demand everything from her, including her surrender. And she’ll give it to them and much more!
Marigold has escaped to this frozen wasteland to find what she thinks is salvation in a fortress. But the men who live here aren’t safe and when they find out who she is they will demand everything from her, including her surrender. And she’ll give it to them and much more!
October 29, 2025
Oh my golly gosh……this book absolutely stunned me in a good way. What an absolutely fabulously hot and very adult take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Totally worthy of a read, but definitely not for the feint hearted.
An ARC reader
An ARC reader
November 3, 2025
Very dark retelling of Goldilocks.
In this case, we get three men - Stone, Ash, and Hunter - who could be more dangerous than what she escaped.
Why choose when you can pick from them.
Check your triggers because there are some themes that may upset.
* Book received as an ARC.
In this case, we get three men - Stone, Ash, and Hunter - who could be more dangerous than what she escaped.
Why choose when you can pick from them.
Check your triggers because there are some themes that may upset.
* Book received as an ARC.
November 4, 2025
A girl on the run meets three very possessive and dangerous men. What follows is a very dark and a bit twisted love story. Let's just say everyone gets exactly what they need.
November 7, 2025
Could not put this down. Read in one sitting. This was first Lydia Michael's book and she has gone to one my my top ten authors.
From the moment we met the guys, I feel in love with them. But Hunter was my favorite. To see him grow was beautiful.
Lydia sure does know how to start the fire. 10/10 will definitely recommend.
From the moment we met the guys, I feel in love with them. But Hunter was my favorite. To see him grow was beautiful.
Lydia sure does know how to start the fire. 10/10 will definitely recommend.
November 8, 2025
1.5 Stars
November 10, 2025
Wow, just wow! From page one to the last page I wanted to know more. Hunter, Stone and Ash all in their own ways tugged at my heart and ugh! I didn’t want it to end but literally couldn’t put it down either. Definitely a 10 out of 10!
November 6, 2025
I’m obsessed with these retellings by Lydia Michaels! They are so unique and so hot!! I couldn’t put it down! Hush darling was amazing and Gilded Locks was equally so! I can’t wait to be back in this world with the third book!
February 11, 2026
To hide with the enemy of your enemy…
When Marigold Calder escaped, she never expected that she would be literally crashing and would have to fight for her life. So when she finds an isolated mountain lodge on the forbidden and very private Isles of Kassel, she believes that she is safe. But what she doesn’t know, but will realize soon, is that the owners of the lodge, the Bears, three Russian brothers, don’t allow anyone in. And whoever dares to trespass, has to pay a price. And all three brothers, Hunter, Stone and Ash, have decided that this trespasser with golden hair, is now theirs, to do as they please. As a storm rages on, Marigold has no other choice to submit to the three brothers, with their own different character but all also having a pull that Marigold finds strangely to ignore. And then Marigold discovers that the Bear Brothers are seeking out for revenge as someone of Marigold’s family hurt the one person the brothers love the most. Turning Marigold into a pawn in a very dangerous game…
Having read the first book of the series The VIllians of Kassel, I knew that not only it would be a complete retelling, with many liberties of the author. Lydia Michaels may use famous tales as inspiration, yet she changes so much in her own story, that while there still are a few similarities, a lot is, well, just not. And I also knew that there would be a lot of explicit scenes, and even moments where the female main character would be acting against her own will. But there are several of warnings at the start of the book, so I as warned well beforehand.
At the start of the book, it is obvious that Marigold is literally running away from something and someone (or rather, several people). But the exact who, why, when, etc. is not made obvious further along in the book. But her desperation is obvious from those first few pages. And reading what she had to endure, at the hand of the people that perhaps should protect, cherish and love her the most, isn't that the worst possible betrayal?
I could understand that her need to survive was bigger that questioning whose house she would be trespassing. And I could also understand the reason that she lies when the three brothers find her. Again, that need to survive at any cost…
If she would have literally crashed anywhere else but this lodge, perhaps she would have met someone who would show her kindness and help her out. Unfortunately, she crashed the lodge of the most fearful, savage, revengeful brothers of the whole continent.
There are so many signs that the three brothers are not to mess with, they have laws of their own, no law stopping from what they want to do.
Hunter, Stone and Ash are the closest as siblings could ever be, and I am close to my brother, but not to their extension! They have been through a lot, together, but there is nothing that would tear them apart. On the contrary, their family bond is just unbreakable.
And when there is a threat, in any form or shape, they are united to protect what is theirs and what they love.
So when they find Marigold in their home, they won’t just let her walk away. Because nobody comes to their home and just walks away… And they also now that Marigold isn’t telling the truth, and one way or another they will get it out of her…
I cannot say that the brothers sparked something inside of me from the start. They are controlling, intimidating and also scary… Yet even if they are brothers and have a lot of similarities, they are all different characters. Where Ash shows a gentle side (but don’t get fooled by it), Stone is a cold mastermind and Hunter seems to be the most violent and vengeful one.
United they are a force to be reckoned with, but somehow, Marigold is their weak spot…
Of course I knew they wanted to use Marigold for their own benefit and pleasure. And I knew that Marigold would have no other option than complying, as these men saved her but also as she has no other place to run.
And yet, there is something about these brothers, and it isn’t just their power that emanates from the pages… We see this when they let Marigold know why they are seeking revenge, as they want to protect and avenge the person they love the most.
We also see how Marigold starts to see behind this strong façade all the brothers have. I am not saying they are suddenly saints, because they are not. But there is just something about those three Bears, a hidden vulnerability in a way, that made me understand the attraction…
Talking about attraction… or rather, I need to talk about the spicy and all the action that is taking place. First of all, while initially Marigold does not have a choice and has some with all the brothers, I could see how it would be an impossible choice to just pick one. Not my cup of tea, a reversed harem, but I am not judging someone else’s choices, if it makes them happy and they don’t hurt anyone else in the process.
Secondly, pfew, there is A LOT of action taking place! And even if there was a moment I was wondering about the logistics about a certain scene, I perhaps needed to take a break myself, as sometimes it got a bit too hot! 😊
Of course it is a spicy story, that perhaps is not for everyone, but I also saw something else in this book. I saw how a hurt, broken woman may have found herself in the lion’s den. But the lions, or rather Bears, that she encounters, make her understand that she is not completely broken, that she in fact is a strong fighter. And those three strong brothers, they realize that no matter how much they protect what is theirs, no matter how closed up they are, there may be one woman with golden hair that is able to open their hearts in a way they never expected.
Lydia Michaels also with this story turned a well – known tale into something completely different. But different isn’t a bad thing. Different is just another way of looking at life, different is just understanding that there are more ways to see things. And that one evening where you need to survive, can open a gate (or a door) to a whole different life that may fit you better than you may ever believe…
When Marigold Calder escaped, she never expected that she would be literally crashing and would have to fight for her life. So when she finds an isolated mountain lodge on the forbidden and very private Isles of Kassel, she believes that she is safe. But what she doesn’t know, but will realize soon, is that the owners of the lodge, the Bears, three Russian brothers, don’t allow anyone in. And whoever dares to trespass, has to pay a price. And all three brothers, Hunter, Stone and Ash, have decided that this trespasser with golden hair, is now theirs, to do as they please. As a storm rages on, Marigold has no other choice to submit to the three brothers, with their own different character but all also having a pull that Marigold finds strangely to ignore. And then Marigold discovers that the Bear Brothers are seeking out for revenge as someone of Marigold’s family hurt the one person the brothers love the most. Turning Marigold into a pawn in a very dangerous game…
Having read the first book of the series The VIllians of Kassel, I knew that not only it would be a complete retelling, with many liberties of the author. Lydia Michaels may use famous tales as inspiration, yet she changes so much in her own story, that while there still are a few similarities, a lot is, well, just not. And I also knew that there would be a lot of explicit scenes, and even moments where the female main character would be acting against her own will. But there are several of warnings at the start of the book, so I as warned well beforehand.
At the start of the book, it is obvious that Marigold is literally running away from something and someone (or rather, several people). But the exact who, why, when, etc. is not made obvious further along in the book. But her desperation is obvious from those first few pages. And reading what she had to endure, at the hand of the people that perhaps should protect, cherish and love her the most, isn't that the worst possible betrayal?
I could understand that her need to survive was bigger that questioning whose house she would be trespassing. And I could also understand the reason that she lies when the three brothers find her. Again, that need to survive at any cost…
If she would have literally crashed anywhere else but this lodge, perhaps she would have met someone who would show her kindness and help her out. Unfortunately, she crashed the lodge of the most fearful, savage, revengeful brothers of the whole continent.
There are so many signs that the three brothers are not to mess with, they have laws of their own, no law stopping from what they want to do.
Hunter, Stone and Ash are the closest as siblings could ever be, and I am close to my brother, but not to their extension! They have been through a lot, together, but there is nothing that would tear them apart. On the contrary, their family bond is just unbreakable.
And when there is a threat, in any form or shape, they are united to protect what is theirs and what they love.
So when they find Marigold in their home, they won’t just let her walk away. Because nobody comes to their home and just walks away… And they also now that Marigold isn’t telling the truth, and one way or another they will get it out of her…
I cannot say that the brothers sparked something inside of me from the start. They are controlling, intimidating and also scary… Yet even if they are brothers and have a lot of similarities, they are all different characters. Where Ash shows a gentle side (but don’t get fooled by it), Stone is a cold mastermind and Hunter seems to be the most violent and vengeful one.
United they are a force to be reckoned with, but somehow, Marigold is their weak spot…
Of course I knew they wanted to use Marigold for their own benefit and pleasure. And I knew that Marigold would have no other option than complying, as these men saved her but also as she has no other place to run.
And yet, there is something about these brothers, and it isn’t just their power that emanates from the pages… We see this when they let Marigold know why they are seeking revenge, as they want to protect and avenge the person they love the most.
We also see how Marigold starts to see behind this strong façade all the brothers have. I am not saying they are suddenly saints, because they are not. But there is just something about those three Bears, a hidden vulnerability in a way, that made me understand the attraction…
Talking about attraction… or rather, I need to talk about the spicy and all the action that is taking place. First of all, while initially Marigold does not have a choice and has some with all the brothers, I could see how it would be an impossible choice to just pick one. Not my cup of tea, a reversed harem, but I am not judging someone else’s choices, if it makes them happy and they don’t hurt anyone else in the process.
Secondly, pfew, there is A LOT of action taking place! And even if there was a moment I was wondering about the logistics about a certain scene, I perhaps needed to take a break myself, as sometimes it got a bit too hot! 😊
Of course it is a spicy story, that perhaps is not for everyone, but I also saw something else in this book. I saw how a hurt, broken woman may have found herself in the lion’s den. But the lions, or rather Bears, that she encounters, make her understand that she is not completely broken, that she in fact is a strong fighter. And those three strong brothers, they realize that no matter how much they protect what is theirs, no matter how closed up they are, there may be one woman with golden hair that is able to open their hearts in a way they never expected.
Lydia Michaels also with this story turned a well – known tale into something completely different. But different isn’t a bad thing. Different is just another way of looking at life, different is just understanding that there are more ways to see things. And that one evening where you need to survive, can open a gate (or a door) to a whole different life that may fit you better than you may ever believe…
November 5, 2025
Okay, before I start dragging: the book is well written. Like, actually. The sentences make sense, the dialogue flows, the pacing is there. And the cover? Pretty. Thank you for not putting a half-naked man or a kissing couple on it. I don’t want romance-novel Photoshop on my shelf. I want something, that actually looks pretty on my shelf. This one was cute, I bought it, I didn’t read the back because I’m dumb and I thought I was gonna be different . I thought it was going to be cozy. Surprise! It was not cozy. Or maybe it was a little bit
1. The setup
Girl is stranded on a cold, icy island. Winter. She almost freezes to death. She finds an open house/villa, calls out, no one answers, so she does what any alive person would do: she goes inside. Survival 101 — dry clothes, food, fire, bed. She was fleeing an abusive life, so she has no one to call anyway. There’s no phone , and she has nowhere to go. So far, I’m with her.
2. Enter the three dudes
Then the house turns out to belong to three huge men. Of course they’re huge. Of course she’s tiny. Of course it’s giving “Goldilocks retelling but make it horny.” I clocked that immediately.
They’re also sex-club owners who do BDSM/kink parties… in their OWN house. Which personally lost me. Why are strangers raw-ing it up on the furniture you sit on? Build a second house. A barn. A dungeon (to be fair they have one but still ) . Something. Because if I found out some random man’s cum was on my couch even if it was cleaned — I would set the couch on fire. Immediate arson . Imagine your friend doing that. You wouldn’t keep itl.
3. The “choice” that’s not a choice
So they find her there and instead of being like “wow you almost froze to death, are you okay,” they basically go: either you become our plaything or we hand you to the authorities, who will send you back to your abusive situation. Charming. Storm outside, nowhere to go, whole story set in this house — so yeah, she “chooses” to stay. That’s not consent. That’s you cornering a traumatized woman.
And then they’re like, “We’ll always stop if you say no.” Okay but you forced the original yes, babe.
4. The vibes (aka why I was annoyed)
She’s already a sexual abuse survivor. Then the sex in the book starts very quickly. Her body responds (because bodies do that), but mentally she’s confused and not fully on board. That gives very rapey vibes. And what’s wild is: the book clearly wants to talk about rape, trauma, women’s fear — like you can feel the author trying — but it never fully goes there. It brushes over the manipulative parts and then makes the guys the saviors of other abused women. Like, “We’d never let a man hurt a woman!” sir… you literally forced this one into submission. Be serious.
This is where I get “annoying” as a reader, because I can’t just go “teehee dark romance” when the plot is: traumatized woman gets traumatized again and we call it love.
5. The relationship (if we can call it that)
I’d say about 70% of this “relationship” is sex. Which, fine, people read for that. But for me it wasn’t really a story. Girli is chill. She does grow a little — you can feel her finding herself, getting stronger, gaining some sense of control. That part was nice, in a weird way. So yeah, development happens. She opens up, they open up (emotionally, not just physically), and they all kind of learn to “trust.” So technically, there’s growth.
But it’s also like — a lot happens, and somehow nothing happens. It’s deep in theme but shallow in execution. I guess that’s why they choose e the cozy cover : it’s dark, but it stays in its little snow-globe world. The vibes are contained.
By the end, they’re in love…I guess?. And I was just sitting there like, “Oh… okay. I guess that’s love now.” Maybe I’m the annoying one. Maybe I think too hard. But it felt like the emotional connection never fully matched the intensity of what actually happened. Like, yes, they talk and open up — but trauma-bonding and romance aren’t the same thing, besties
6. The anatomy of dark romance (my favorite rant)
Dark romance female authors are so funny because the men always have huge penises and the women are so small it’s like… how? The penis is the man, the man is the penis — they are one being. And the penis is always OUT. Even when it’s not out, it’s basically out. Meanwhile the woman is so tiny their hand can “wrap around her waist.” Girl, are you a LEGO? A Barbie? Because I can wrap my hand around my wrist. If I could do that to your waist I’d be concerned.
I know, I know — “don’t take it literally.” I’m trying. I’m breathing.
Final thoughts
So: well written, pretty cover, clear style. But also: trapped woman + coerced consent + three giant sex-club men + no real reckoning with the coercion. I get why people like it — it’s spicy, it’s closed-setting, it’s “3 men obsessed with her” (imagine having to stand even one but we are in dark Roman I get it— but I couldn’t get over the consent logic.
And yes, I paid money for it because the cover lied to me, so I will be complaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
Intoxicating. Hedonistic. And dare I say moist!! Lydia has spun the tornado of sexy reverse harem trope and it shall sweep you away in its powerful vortex for sure
A castaway, deserted island, alone on a stormy night, refuge in a palace.
What could go wrong, right?
“EVERYTHING!!”
The girl Mary, aka Marigold Calder, is running from a behavioral institute, a disguised asylum prison where she's been trapped by her stepbrother and father. A classic case of “From the frying pan, into the fire” situation. Her honeypot sweet scent brings the “Three Burly Bears” sniffing and growling. The ominous palace on this deserted, private island belongs to Ash, stone & Hunter volkov. They're a band of merry brothers indulging in all kinds of perverse pleasures far from the madding crowds.
Her shelter, food and clothing comes with stipulations though.
Nothing is for free, you see
"A woman. Young. Beautiful in a way that made dangerous men stupid and smart men reckless. "
She isn't that clever as she thought she was too because these brothers are in high tech surveillance and security so they catch up to her lies with modern gizmo-magic in a jiffy.
The scenes are obviously very spicy, very sizzling. I mean a nubike young girl, three prime males with boiling tostestorone in their veins. The little heads take over and they wanna play with this toy.
“You’ll do exactly what we tell you to do. When we tell you to do it. No questions. No arguments. No escape.”
The Little Fox - Lisichka is truely and firmly trapped in the predator's den. And now she has to play by their rules.
They say submit, she has to kneel
They say open up, she has to lay back and take it
They say you're the bait, she has to lure the villain in
“ The lodge was more than a house of hedonism. It was a psychological dungeon built to manipulate and twist people so far from their comfort zones that they lost touch with reality.”
Story is a classic retelling so broadly the guidelines were already in place. Lydia spins her magic and darkens the canvas. Her well scripted prose is highly engaging. I was invested from get go. Heart thumping passions ignite like a giant fireplace and pretty soon she notched up the roaring fire to the nth degree. Lydia has great command on her language and grammar, which is a hallmark of a skilled writer.
And dark romance being my genre jam, I fell in love with the book.
“4.5 stars for Lisichka and YeYo Tri Medvedya”
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A castaway, deserted island, alone on a stormy night, refuge in a palace.
What could go wrong, right?
“EVERYTHING!!”
The girl Mary, aka Marigold Calder, is running from a behavioral institute, a disguised asylum prison where she's been trapped by her stepbrother and father. A classic case of “From the frying pan, into the fire” situation. Her honeypot sweet scent brings the “Three Burly Bears” sniffing and growling. The ominous palace on this deserted, private island belongs to Ash, stone & Hunter volkov. They're a band of merry brothers indulging in all kinds of perverse pleasures far from the madding crowds.
Her shelter, food and clothing comes with stipulations though.
Nothing is for free, you see
"A woman. Young. Beautiful in a way that made dangerous men stupid and smart men reckless. "
She isn't that clever as she thought she was too because these brothers are in high tech surveillance and security so they catch up to her lies with modern gizmo-magic in a jiffy.
The scenes are obviously very spicy, very sizzling. I mean a nubike young girl, three prime males with boiling tostestorone in their veins. The little heads take over and they wanna play with this toy.
“You’ll do exactly what we tell you to do. When we tell you to do it. No questions. No arguments. No escape.”
The Little Fox - Lisichka is truely and firmly trapped in the predator's den. And now she has to play by their rules.
They say submit, she has to kneel
They say open up, she has to lay back and take it
They say you're the bait, she has to lure the villain in
“ The lodge was more than a house of hedonism. It was a psychological dungeon built to manipulate and twist people so far from their comfort zones that they lost touch with reality.”
Story is a classic retelling so broadly the guidelines were already in place. Lydia spins her magic and darkens the canvas. Her well scripted prose is highly engaging. I was invested from get go. Heart thumping passions ignite like a giant fireplace and pretty soon she notched up the roaring fire to the nth degree. Lydia has great command on her language and grammar, which is a hallmark of a skilled writer.
And dark romance being my genre jam, I fell in love with the book.
“4.5 stars for Lisichka and YeYo Tri Medvedya”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
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February 13, 2026This one was a lot better written than the first, and I definitely have high hopes for the next book in this series. Unfortunately I struggled with a few things that pushed me away from loving this one.
The writing style is beautiful and poetic, but the heavy use of similes and metaphors continuously dragged me out of the book for the entire first quarter. I was so bogged down with description that I was thrilled when we finally got to the characters interacting with each other.
I love a dark romance as good as the next person, and one of my favourite things about them is how much their body will often succumb to desire when they're saying they hate it, but their inner voice is all about how much they love it. It's a juxtaposition of CNC and dubcon, that makes it not push into SA. Unfortunately the majority of the scenes instead felt like SA, as the FMC was forced into acts against her will (or be sent away to be institutionalized by her abuser) and it was heavily coerced consent with her hating it, confused, or terrified the entire time. Her inner thoughts were about protecting herself from being sent away, not from enjoyment and that made the scenes very hard for me to read.
I love a forceful lead, a morally black one, etc. But none of them seemed to actually like her, and were more focused on manipulating and coercing her into doing what they want - which she overtly pointed out - and it made me not invest in their love stories. From there the character development was very light, and it was on such a rapid timeline that I was baffled by the declarations of love towards the end.
Either way, I can absolutely see people enjoying this who just want dark and steamy, but I think I prefer a lot more enthusiastic consent overall.
The writing style is beautiful and poetic, but the heavy use of similes and metaphors continuously dragged me out of the book for the entire first quarter. I was so bogged down with description that I was thrilled when we finally got to the characters interacting with each other.
I love a dark romance as good as the next person, and one of my favourite things about them is how much their body will often succumb to desire when they're saying they hate it, but their inner voice is all about how much they love it. It's a juxtaposition of CNC and dubcon, that makes it not push into SA. Unfortunately the majority of the scenes instead felt like SA, as the FMC was forced into acts against her will (or be sent away to be institutionalized by her abuser) and it was heavily coerced consent with her hating it, confused, or terrified the entire time. Her inner thoughts were about protecting herself from being sent away, not from enjoyment and that made the scenes very hard for me to read.
I love a forceful lead, a morally black one, etc. But none of them seemed to actually like her, and were more focused on manipulating and coercing her into doing what they want - which she overtly pointed out - and it made me not invest in their love stories. From there the character development was very light, and it was on such a rapid timeline that I was baffled by the declarations of love towards the end.
Either way, I can absolutely see people enjoying this who just want dark and steamy, but I think I prefer a lot more enthusiastic consent overall.
February 25, 2026
This book was a complete page-turner. After reading the trigger warning, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but trusting Lydia to deliver a powerful story paid off. She absolutely did.
Book two in the Villains of Kassel series offers a dark, wicked retelling of Goldilocks. Marigold is fleeing a traumatic past involving her abusive brother, Jordan, when she finds herself in the den of three Russian brothers—Ash, Stone, and Hunter. They offer her protection and safety, but only if she willingly chooses to belong to them. Agreeing means full protection from any threat… until the truth about Marigold’s past begins to surface.
Revenge drives the plot, while trust slowly builds amid intense chemistry and emotional twists. The vivid imagery pulls you deeply into every scene. Ash provides the tenderness Marigold desperately needs, balancing Stone’s dominance and Hunter’s fiery anger. As the story unfolds, the brothers’ bond with each other—and with Marigold—becomes just as compelling as the romance itself.
Together, they use their power and exclusive network—built on strict consent—to bring justice to their women survivors of Jordan. The themes are dark, with strong sexual content, violence, and depictions of trauma, but the story is beautifully written and unlike anything I’ve read before.
Even when you think you might not be able to handle it, you keep turning the pages—and by the end, you’re already waiting for the next installment, Feast of the Fallen
Book two in the Villains of Kassel series offers a dark, wicked retelling of Goldilocks. Marigold is fleeing a traumatic past involving her abusive brother, Jordan, when she finds herself in the den of three Russian brothers—Ash, Stone, and Hunter. They offer her protection and safety, but only if she willingly chooses to belong to them. Agreeing means full protection from any threat… until the truth about Marigold’s past begins to surface.
Revenge drives the plot, while trust slowly builds amid intense chemistry and emotional twists. The vivid imagery pulls you deeply into every scene. Ash provides the tenderness Marigold desperately needs, balancing Stone’s dominance and Hunter’s fiery anger. As the story unfolds, the brothers’ bond with each other—and with Marigold—becomes just as compelling as the romance itself.
Together, they use their power and exclusive network—built on strict consent—to bring justice to their women survivors of Jordan. The themes are dark, with strong sexual content, violence, and depictions of trauma, but the story is beautifully written and unlike anything I’ve read before.
Even when you think you might not be able to handle it, you keep turning the pages—and by the end, you’re already waiting for the next installment, Feast of the Fallen
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