Kenric Mastiff is an impulsive force, forged in violence. Raised by a cold-hearted kingpin, he now rules an empire where every move is strategic, and nothing is left to chance…not even his heart. His only true companions are his owls and his chessboard…until he meets her… Mira Laurent, a gifted violinist with a soft heart and a painful past, becomes Kenric’s obsession. Her music quiets a storm inside of him that he finds hard to ignore. Taken against her will but seduced by his twisted obsession, Mira finds herself truly seen, for the first time in her life. Kenric ends up giving Mira what she’s been missing but struggles to grant her freedom. Mira begins to uncover what lies beneath Kenric’s emotionless exterior. He battles impulsive disorder, bipolar rages, and an aching need for love he refuses to acknowledge. Kenric plays a game that only he understands. Where love means ownership, and obsession is the only way he knows how to express himself. Passion turns into possession and pain bleeds into pleasure. Kenric doesn’t believe in love, only control. Mira doesn’t believe in rescue, only survival. But in the end, it wasn’t control or survival that brought the two together. It was the shared ache of broken beginnings. Together, they found something neither expected; understanding. Because sometimes, the only person who can save you is the one who’s just as ruined. “She played the violin. He played the board. But neither saw love coming.”
Kenric Mastiff isn’t your typical antihero. He’s brilliant, dangerous, and so emotionally layered that you can’t decide whether to fear him or feel for him. His mind is a battlefield, and Mira’s music becomes the only thing capable of bringing him peace.
Mira, on the other hand, is soft yet unbreakable. She’s caught in a storm she didn’t ask for but somehow learns how to find power in her vulnerability. The way Authoress Masterpiece writes their connection is electric, raw, psychological, and deeply emotional.
This isn’t a gentle love story; it’s about two damaged souls trying to make sense of their pain and finding something that almost feels like redemption. The writing is cinematic and layered, like a symphony and a chess match happening at once. “She played the violin. He played the board.” And somehow, love became the move neither of them planned.
So I was looking up at a front row seat to this and it is just as amazing as I remembered. From the fact that he was supposed to a kind of Robin hood saving one crackhead at a time But in a forest very much you're going to do this kind of way was everything. Then incorporating that with the imagery and symbolism of the owls and how Kenric felt about them was icing on the cake. The kidnapping for a cause I can get with. I liked how Mari felt drawn to him but at the same time scared to be all in with him. Tone being who he was to Kenric, I definitely didn't see that coming at all.. But I definitely would like to see more into him and staress relationships. There was definitely not a moment where I was not Enamored with this book. And all I gotta say is I need a part 2 like now. I need to know how this relationship continues to develop does his obsession put a pen in things any time soon, Does Mari become equally obsessed with him. Whatever became of Darius is baby mama. Is there any back lash from Smack situation.... So many questions and like I am excited... To see what unfolds in the future with these 2 and this universe masterpiece has immersed us in and wonderfully created.
Whewww 😮💨🔥 this book was phenomenal! Masterpiece’s pen stays undefeated — dark, emotional, and dangerously captivating.
Grand is a misunderstood genius with a mind full of chaos, and Mira’s a broken woman tryna hold her world together.
Together they’re messy, magnetic, and unforgettable. Their connection feels raw, real, and a lil bit wrong in all the right ways 😭💋 The chemistry? Off the charts. The spice? Straight up chef’s kiss. 👅🔥
If you love dark romance with passion, pain, and purpose — read this ASAP. Hoping we get part two ‘cause Grand & Mira’s story? Far from over. 💔➡️💞
Before I write this review, warning this is my first time writing a review like this, so please excuse my grammar and spelling.
This book had me hooked from the start.
Kendric has been through a lot. He has seen way too much. He is unhinged but also a purely good and caring person. The way this man made his goal in life to help people is so amazing. You might not agree with how he does it but you got to see the good in him.
Poor Mira. The way Darius did this woman made me happy to see what happened to him. I’m sad she felt like she had to turn to drugs to help cope with depression but I’m glad kendric helped her stop before it got out of hand. Even though I feel bad she had to get kidnapped. It was a blessing in disguise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Man there's so much to say the book just grabbed you from beginning to the end grand was fascinating especially the owls and of course Jose the white owl that was connected to him spiritually I just couldn't put it down. Would like to see another book on grand and mira
Grand Master aka Kenric was something different. His obsession with owls and Mira was absolutely insane. I never read about someone wanting to own someone like Kenric wanted Mira. Superb writing and character development. This romance is a little dark. Just beware.
It wasn’t as dark as I expected, but it definitely wasn’t a bad read either. The Grand Master follows Kenric and Mira two people who’ve been through it since the age of 13. Both lost their parents young and had to survive in a world that wasn’t kind to them. I really connected with Kenric. He had such a big heart, but struggled to express it. His possessiveness made sense to me I honestly think Mira reminded him of his mom before she got hooked on drugs. Nobody ever really saw him for who he was or the brilliance he carried, and that’s what fueled his obsession with Mira. She made him feel emotions he thought he buried with his mother. As for Mira, being abandoned by her family after her mom’s death just sent her life spiraling. But I loved how, in the end, Kenric gave her space to grow and find herself again after everything they’d been through. They were actually really cute together once all the chaos settled.
From the very beginning you’re hooked. Kenric is one who is trying to own the board, but also trying to manage all of the things that are inside of him. He normally gets his way but is he ready for Mira?? This book was a good time
This was only my second dip into dark romance, and Grand Master may have officially converted me. This book is unhinged in the most intentional, thought-provoking way.
Grand Master—Kenric—is a character that lingers. Calculated, obsessive, brilliant, and deeply fractured, he has mastered the board in every sense of the word… except when it comes to love. His fixation on owls and Mira is unsettling, symbolic, and oddly poetic. The tension created by his need to be chosen—not feared, not forced—adds a layer of emotional depth that elevates this story beyond shock value.
What struck me most was the internal conflict. Kenric wants devotion, but he also wants authenticity. He’s forced to confront the truth that love cannot be manufactured through control or captivity. Watching him wrestle with that realization was as compelling as it was uncomfortable—in the best dark romance way.
Mira’s growth is just as powerful. As “Little Owl,” she evolves emotionally and mentally, finding strength without losing her softness. Their connection—twisted, tender, reverent—walks the fine line between obsession and healing. The erotic tension is intense, but it’s balanced with emotional intimacy that feels earned rather than gratuitous.
The world-building, particularly Grand’s invention and the universe he creates, is decadent and immersive. It’s the kind of imagined escape that feels almost cathartic, especially for readers who recognize pieces of their own childhood wounds mirrored in these characters. The prose is lush, the imagery indulgent, and the character development deeply satisfying.
Whew! This was my second read by Authoress Masterpiece, and I was here for this dark romance.
Grand and Mira were both haunted by grief from their teenage years. They’ve spent so long surviving alone that trusting others wasn’t even an option. Grand coped by drowning himself in success, while Mira juggled two jobs and an emotionless relationship just to stay afloat.
I’m always down for a good kidnapping story, and when Mira is taken, she’s understandably terrified but that fear quickly morphs into something deeper. The obsession between her and Grand felt raw and consuming. Mira playing the violin for Grand gave him a rare moment of peace and he was possessive from the first time how bow touch that violin.
The secondary characters though? They were everything. Josie easily became my favorite ! I'd read an entire book about her and Grand’s relationship. Tone and Staress added even more depth to the story and rounded out the world perfectly.
If you’re into dark romances, this one checks all the boxes; intensity, obsession, healing through chaos, and a connection that shouldn’t make sense but somehow does.
Dark romance meets intense emotional intimacy. This was a beautiful read. The way things take a turn towards erotic passion tempered with deep reverence is soul soothing. Grand's invention and the world he created is something I wish could truly exist. I think anyone with a childhood containing any of the elements of these main characters' early years would find this story almost cathartic and healing. The imagery and descriptions are sinfully decadent as well. The character growth for both Grand and his Little Owl is seriously satisfying. I can't wait to read more from Authoress Masterpiece 💞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ You will be hooked with the first chapter! This is a happy for now story ending, which I do not mind as a reader. I love how the author guided us through the MMC and FMC past. We got a full grasp on their childhood trauma that was key to the story. The story also has good quality spices scenes that was 🥵😮💨
This book is truly like no other I’ve read before and I would definitely recommend! Please remember this is a DARK romance. 💖
Mildly unhinged — the lightest shade of gray possible Bipolar I (it’s hinted through his impulsive behavior) Childhood trauma (both parents struggled with substance abuse) Grieving the loss of his parents
The FMC Curvy Violinist Mild substance abuse issues Also grieving a parent’s death
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I would’ve loved for the MMC to be a little more unhinged since this was marketed as a dark romance. It leaned more toward a slow burn with emotional healing than the kind of darkness I was expecting.
I enjoyed this read. Kenric was diagnosed with a mental disorder and his father completely ignored it and wanted him to follow in his footsteps in the streets! His father was horrible! His mother couldn't control his father, so Kenric grew up and had problems coping with life's issues! Mira was his obsession and the owls, that Josie was something else. Im glad Mira helped him as well as Tone helped him find a balance and love! He is a Godfather to the crackheads! Looking forward to seeing him bea Grandmaster of Love!
This book was definitely a different type of read for me. Mira’s internal battle felt deeply personal and her strength shows in her awareness, not in pretending she isn’t afraid. Kenric is controlled to the point of being chilling, yet there’s something compelling about how focused he is on Mira. Their dynamic is built slowly, through tension and restraint rather than instant gratification. It’s uncomfortable at times, but that’s what makes this story so interesting. Masterpiece doesn’t soften the edges of their relationship and I appreciated that
Girl I love you brain. I absolutely feel in love with Kenric Soul his back story had my heart hurting for him. I quickly because obsessed with his and took up for him every step of the way! Every time he said “Little Owl” my head was GONE!!! Girl you PEN SHOULD BE BRONZED!!all I can tell yal to do is READ IT. But it’s Masterpiece did we really think it would not be chef kiss??
Grand is a broken man and with parents like his who could blame him. Despite his upbringing he wants to make the world a better place in his twisted way. In comes Mira who already has her own trauma and they are definitely quite the pair.
Masterpiece if you see this give circle back with another book because I demand a love story finale lol. I enjoyed the book and the way the story was fleshed out.
I really enjoyed the development of Grand master character and story. He went through so much at such a young age that resulted in the way he handled things in his adult life. Through out this story I’ve grown to love grand and I would definitely love to read more about him and Mira’s love and how things developed. I also feel like we’ll be getting a story about Tone. He’s been such a great feel to Grand! I just loved this whole book!
This book was so good and intricate. I imagined in 3d when I read the parts where Kendric was trying to figure out his moves on the board. I loved it! Kendric and Mira were so good to read. I loved how Mira saw past Kendrics facade and was able to break through all his defenses. I actually wouldn’t mind reading more about Tone and Staress either *hint to author!lol! Overall really good book with so much depth! Must read! Masterpiece does it again!!
Both of the lead characters have such a sad past this book was suck a fascinating read although the male lead character was obsessive he meant well and the way the female lead character did not understand. His impulsive obsession with her was out of love and care was so interesting. The whole book was not what I was expecting. It still had the spice and the plot was amazing, but there’s a real lesson to learn. When reading this book
Kenric was special… he was different. He really fell in love with Mira the first time he heard her play. He went about it the wrong way to get her, but she fell in love with him. I’m glad her love made him change. He gave her space, but kept an eye on her. They helped heal each other. This was a different read for me, but I ended up enjoying it.
Authoress Masterpiece you did your thing with this one! The words, descriptions, visuals and just how the characters flowed and the telling of the story and bringing it all together had me reading the book in one setting. I could not put this book down. I need the baby’s in the next book!
This book was a masterpiece of great storytelling and character development. The connections that Kenric and Josie have made make me want an owl, “lol.” Authoress Masterpiece—you did a great job addressing mental health and life changes, and how they can impact our loved ones and ourselves. I can't wait to learn more about Kenric and Mira's future.
“I’m obsessed. You have to understand”. Kenric was a troubled man due to his childhood trauma. Although his ways were unorthodox it made me reflect on- When you were forced to be hard…. How could you be vulnerable, be soft?. When trauma goes unhealed it comes out differently, some times detrimental to your current state. Kenric battled with A LOT.
Need part two like them crackheads needed their next fix😩😂
Omg I didnt want this to end…..🥹 I love this for them especially Kenric pleaseeeee give them some twin babies lol I will love to see how he adapt to being a parent while struggling or still healing from the trauma his own parents caused him. Mira as well🥰