WHAT WOULD IT COST?

by Syn Blackrose

TW’s:
* Psycho MC
* Manipulation
* Control
* Humiliation
* Temperature play (Cold)
* Stalking
* Violence
* Cheating (not between the MCs)
* Mental abuse
* Toxic behavior
* Mention of kidnap
* Spanking

BLURB:

Leo

Money. That’s what has turned my life upside down.

Money is the reason my marriage is barely holding together.

Money is the reason Ethan Taylor has thrown himself into my life.

Ethan is the reason I can barely sleep. Ethan is the reason I question myself and who I really am.

Ethan, Ethan, fucking Ethan. That damn name is always on my mind.

The big question…when everything in your life is falling apart, would you accept an offer from your boss that could make it right? Heal your marriage?

Would you hand over your body for one night to an attractive psycho? Not forgetting that I’m straight.

He’s manipulative. Dangerous. Toxic.

He is always one step ahead.

Ethan

I’m rich. Successful. And bored.

Months of being restless, unsure of what it is my body needs, until a gorgeous man called Leo starts working at my hotel.

He’s perfect. Attractive. Sexy. But the best part is that he is so worn down by life, that I can’t resist him. That makes him vulnerable.

I want to bend him to my will. To take him as my own.

Social expectations mean nothing to me. I have no morals. No empathy. I don’t give a fuck what’s happening in your life.

But I care about what Leo does. I need to know everything about him.

I’m going to tear him down so I can rebuild him.

I will offer him everything he dreams of, while locking him up in my golden cage.

By the time I’ve finished, he won’t be able to leave. But even better, he won’t want to leave.

No limits. No rules.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Crime

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

Hi my lovelies,

I'm afraid I am not active on Goodreads; therefore, I will not respond to messages or requests on here.

If you would like to reach out to me, please check out my Instagram account.

Thanks! Syn xx

Reviews

[Emna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc

[The Naughty Booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Syn Blackrose never disappoints and
What would it cost is no exception.

Call me crazy but I love an overbearing alpha in a book, in real life I'd punch him in the face but hey this is fiction so give me give me. 🤣
Ethan is about as alpha a personality as you can get. He's bossy controlling, overbearing and just a smidge psyco and that's why we love him.

Leo is well he's sad, tired and lonely and married to a woman that your going to want to scratch her eyes out before the end of the book even comes.

The spicy scenes are always top tier with Syn's book. And the fact this ties in with the Kozlovs world made me love it even more if that was possible.

I Cannot recommend this one enough.
And we find out about another book series is coming from Syn Blackrose.




❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: boss / employee, rich/poor, cheating (not between MC's)
Feels: 2.75/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: dominance/submission, choking, ice play, spanking
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past deaths of parents, psychopath MMC, toxic relationship between Sarah / Leo, violence, murder
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Yes. Leo is married to Sarah. They have a toxic relationship, and they haven't been intimate in months. Ethan offers them a million dollars if Leo is his for one night. Sarah is eager to pimp Leo out for the money. Leo sleeps with Ethan a few more times after, without Sarah's knowledge, before breaking up with Sarah. You don't feel bad for Sarah though, she was totally using Leo and trying to seduce other men herself.
Other person drama: it's strongly implied that Leo doesn't sleep with Sarah for months before meeting Ethan, and not after hooking up with him. Ethan has eyes for no one else after meeting Leo.

4 stars

Leo is 26. He's always loved making sculptures out of metal. A year ago the father he was really close to passed away. 2 years ago he married Sarah his long-term girlfriend. Sarah is a social climbing toxic woman who is money hungry. She's always demeaning Leo and telling him he needs to earn more. She complained until they moved out of their smaller town to New York. Leo has had to give up on his dreams. Now he's starting a job as a mail room worker at a hotel.

Ethan is the owner of the hotel. He's 30. He is a psychopath. From the moment he spots Leo, he is obsessed. He wants to own him, he's fascinated by Leo. He stalks him and plots a way to get him as his. He figures out that money provides an opening, and to both Sarah and Leo, he offers them $1 million if Leo spends a night with him. Sarah pressures Leo into doing it, because she wants the money. And it really fractures their marriage for good, her revealing the kind of person that she is. Leo reluctantly gives in, and after, Ethan reveals he has a longer term plan to not let Leo go. They end up sleeping together a few more times, without Sarah knowing, then Leo calls it off with Sarah because she doesn't love him and everything that was between them was a lie.

I don't love the cheating trope. So that part of it was just ugly. But the author did a really good job of building the sexual tension between the mmcs and weaving the web of the characters coming together and things exploding between them. The chemistry was so strong. And Ethan gave Leo exactly what he needed to be a more fulfilled person. And Ethan got exactly what he wanted.

One thing I didn't like, was that the author didn't use commas well. There were dozens of missing commas, the author just flagrantly didn't use them when they were needed. And that just annoys my neurospicy brain.


Some notable moments:

"I want him — his attention, his reactions, the way he’ll look at me when he realizes exactly how deep this goes. My thoughts get carried away, I want him to become obsessed with me. For me to have so much control over his life, I become his oxygen."

Danny's look of horror was hilarious. "Danny has gone still and has lost the ability to speak. Before I can say a word, Ethan plants a big kiss on my mouth and grabs the back of my head, making it obvious to anyone that I am his. I want to die of embarrassment, but also give myself up to Ethan in front of everyone. “Ethan…stop,” I hiss, trying to pull away. Danny has a look of pure horror on his face, his mouth so wide he could catch flies."

"He didn’t tell me where we were going that morning. Just said to dress nicely, said he had something “important” planned. I thought it was another building for his hotels, or something for my business. Instead, it was a courthouse, papers, rings, Marcus and a clerk who wouldn’t meet my eyes. I don’t even want to know what they said to that poor woman."


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[AnnaKitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a feeling I was going to love this one and totally eat it up 🥰
There’s something about these obsessive and unhinged characters that scratches a deep desire to be someone’s entire world.
And while IRL we’d probably all run from someone like this without looking back, in fiction, when the obsession is written this well, it’a very delicious guilty pleasure 🤤

"I’ve owned you from day one and it’s never going to change.”
“You’re deluded,” I say, panting as his mouth lingers over mine.
“And you’re mine.”

Leo’s gentle soul hooked me right away from the prologue, and then Ethan appears, feral, obsessive, completely unhinged walking red flag. The kind of obsessed psychopath we all not so secretly love 🤭 And with much attention to the characters, intense obsession and delicious spice it was just perfect ❤

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, I devoured it in less than 24 hours! I want to say so much, but I’m not about to spoil it for anyone. What I can say is that Ethan and Leo’s journey to their HEA is absolutely worth your time. I really enjoyed the cameos from the world Syn has built, it’s always such a joy to see familiar faces. I’m also intrigued by Marcus and excited to see him pop up in future stories. Syn has a real talent for creating characters you can’t help but fall in love with, flaws and all. I’ll be eagerly waiting to see what comes next.

[Jetscarbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW- cheating (possible spoilers ahead)

This is a MM romance. It was a quick read. The main hero is OTT/P and it’s very InstaEverything!

“You don’t adjust to a man like Ethan, you either adapt or you break”

Leo is married to Sarah. Sarah is an awful, gold digging wife. Basically, Leo is a “shell” of a person because his life is total cat puke. His dad died, and Sarah was responsible for blowing through all their money that was left to Leo. Sarah wanted to move to NYC from Ohio. Made Leo give up his metal sculpturing business.

Ethan is a psychopath. He’s also a billionaire who is VERY bored. Leo starts to work in the mailroom at Ethan’s company.

Ethan KNOWS IMMEDIATELY that Leo is his. 🤪🤪😇

Ethan arranges to have Leo and Sarah over for dinner. Ethan offers 1 million dollars for 12 hours with Leo. At first, Sarah is insulted that Ethan didn’t want her. 🫣….but she very quickly goes SOLD SOLD SOLD!
It was in this moment that Leo knew his marriage was over. Yep I don’t blame him.

Leo and Ethan have an amazing night.
Leo’s marriage never recovers. Sarah is spending that million on designer *everything*

Ethan’s in the background investigating Sarah because he has her number. He knows she an awful person. And yep. She tries to blackmail Ethan. He quickly takes care of her. He cuts her face up and basically gives her to the criminal motorcycle club. 🤷‍♀️ Leo is already living with Ethan by this point.
Leo really doesn’t care.

A year later and Ethan and Leo are married. HEA.
We also find out that Ethan likes to visit Sarah sometimes and gloat that Leo is now very successful. 😂

The book does have spice.
I could have done without the whole anal cleanse. Eek

[✨books_19✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

so this was an experience
honestly i went in it for the spice
but it was a really fun book!! i devoured it in a little over 24 hours
this was really dark to be fair
like ethan was a complete psychopath one of the worst ones i’ve read about and he did not give one fuck about emotions and as soon as he laid eyes on leo he was his and nothjng could stop him
leo was a little baby and i loved him, i hated seeing him struggling at the beginning of the book and even though he was being manipulated by ethan i loved seeing him grow to become happy with psycho ethan
sarah was a bitch period
the plot was really entertaining and i loved seeing ethan slowly get his grasp on leo
now the main reason i read this book was spice, and it was interesting it definitely wasn’t mh favorite mm spice but it was entertaining
even though ethan was a complete psychopath i definitely was missing the sweet moments between the main couple
this was a fun read nothing too memorable but definitely entertaining

[Gül Türkay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Would it Cost? - Syn Blackrose
ARC Review 💫

What would you give to spend just one night, with no rules, with a man you’ve become obsessed with? 🖤

Indecent Proposal Have you watched it? It’s one of my all-time favorites. This book felt like the perfect fusion of my obsession with MM books and my love for that movie, and I absolutely loved it.🫠🥵

This book affected me much more than I expected. I had so much fun while reading, and the tension and emotional intensity were so good that it stole my sleep and I finished it in one day.

But the most striking part was Ethan’s obsession. The way his fixation starts the moment he first sees Leo and keeps growing chapter by chapter is conveyed to the reader incredibly well. That possessive, controlling yet protective attitude was so compelling that I may have found myself thinking, “I wish someone was this obsessed with me!”🫠

And the fact that Ethan laid the whole world at Leo’s feet without ever saying “I love you”… Showing his love through actions rather than words—that’s exactly where I completely fell for his character. His intelligence, power, and the determined way he built a safe space around Leo were incredibly satisfying to read. I’ll admit it, I might be a little obsessed with Ethan. 😮‍🔥

As for Sarah… I don’t know if my hatred for her will ever end. Especially that dinner table scene where she turns to Leo and says, “don’t embarrass me”—that was the moment all my empathy disappeared. Leo was already in a fragile place, and the way she completely dismissed his feelings was truly infuriating. 😤

Luckily, in the end, all of it was worth it; it turned out to be a great read for me. 🖤📖

[Engrossed Reader]

Conflicted on whether I really enjoyed this. Ethan was commanding, Leo compliant and Sarah a comedy villain.

The conflict of real life and book life is huge here. Ethan would be intolerable, rather than admired for his take charge attitude. Leo, insipid not undergoing a metamorphosis. Sarah's character was overblown and too much significance given to a relationship that was on its last legs.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded. This was an addictive read, and I didn’t expect to be as entertained as I was. Their dynamic was toxic and messy, but I was invested until the end. I’m not sure how I feel about Sarah’s outcome…it felt overdramatic but hey, Ethan was a psychopath after all.

[peoniesandmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just love everything that Syn writes

this was possessive, feral & just toxic as hell. I ate it up, per usual. 🤭🤭

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightfully unhinged addition to the obsessive world of villainous men staking their claim. Billionaire CEO Ethan wants one thing - Leo, and society, morality, Leo being straight, or even Leo's wife won't stand in the way.
Ethan sees an opportunity and uses it, by paying for one night together, and using that as leverage to infiltrate every aspect of Leo's mind, body and soul.
Leo didn't stand a chance, but it was also everything he didn't know he needed.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will have unable to put it down. Ethan is a man who gets what he wants no matter the cost. But what is the cost…you will have to pick up the book to find out. Be sure to check the trigger warnings.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t want to hurt him. That’s the lie people like me tell ourselves. The truth is more grand. I want to decide for him. What he does. What he needs. Who touches him. Who he belongs to when the lights go out and the city forgets his name. In my world control is not cruelty. It’s intimacy without the chaos. - Ethan

Psychopath MC find Broken MC, decides he is his and makes it become reality using any and all methods and tools necessary. Manipulation, stalking, coercing, and more. He eventually gets his little bird with broken wings into its gilded cage.


🤔Quick Thoughts:🤔
⭐️3.5 rounding up to 4/5
🌶️3/5
💭Cons: From the little blurb, I though Ethan was actually going to have to put some effort into getting Leo. Even with Leo’s “oh no I don’t want this, wait yes I do, ugh why, no i don’t want this, wait!” I don’t feel like he was actually protesting it. While Ethan does one or two things that may be seen as “sweet” or “romantic”, it’s not. At the end when they get married and Ethan changes Leo’s last name, I expected some kind of flashback or reminiscence to his time with his father since Leo is losing that final piece of himself. With how amazingly written the prologue was, I was disappointed that this wasn’t there.
💭Pros: The opening was very sweet and made me tear up. I loved reading about Leo and his time with his dad. I enjoyed Sarah’s punishment IMMENSELY. It could be argued whether or not she deserved it but I think it was beautiful. Ethan gets Leo a metal shop. Honestly, it’s the least he can do.
💭Overall: Overall it was a good read. I am usually a fluffy type romance reader or one with strong passion. I don’t usually partake in stories where one or both MCs do not show love/appreciation on some level. I kind of feel bad for Leo loving Ethan when he is just seen as a piece or property or a pet. Like, I’ve read some other dark romances where I at least feel the controlling MC has some kind of appreciation for their partner. I am not sure, this one just made me feel weird.

💁‍♂️Main Characters:💁‍♂️
Leo Jones:
But there is another part, a hidden secret part that’s quiet and traitorous as I remember how it felt to be the center of someone’s world for the length of a heartbeat. To be sitting at that table knowing I was the only thing he saw. That scares me more than Ethan ever could. - Leo
26, Metal Sculptor, unhappily Married, Black hair, Broke and broken, Starting at Infinity Hotels in the Mailroom.

Ethan Taylor:
You don’t push someone into a cage, you convince them it is shelter. A harbor of safety. Make them believe that it’s their choice, that this is where they want to be. - Ethan
35, CEO & Founder of Infinity Hotels chain, psychopath with a photographic memory, 6’2”, dark black hair and dark brown eyes, very alpha male.

🔥🌶️Intimate/Spicy Moments Include:🌶️🔥
- Strict Roles
- First with a Guy
- Rimming
- Humiliation
- Temp Play (ice cubes)
- Good Boy
- Anal, bareback
- Hands Free Orgasm
- Blowjob, Face Fucking
- Spanking

🛑⚠️Trigger/Content Warnings: ⚠️🛑
- Manipulation
- Humiliation
- Stalking
- Violence/Assault
- Cheating (not between MCs)
- Mental Abuse
- Toxic behavior
- Spanking
- Mentions of Deceased Parent(s)

😰😓My Limits:😓😰
Sharing: No
Cheating: Not between MCs, one MC is married but not intimate
OW/OM: No, one SC tries to cause problems but does not succeed
Break Up: No
HEA/HFN?: Yes, Epilogue (1 Year)
Emetophobia: No

❤️Tropes/Themes:❤️
- MM Romance
- Psychopath MC
- Dark
- Sexual Awakening/First Time with a Guy
- Boss-Employee
- Possessive/Obsessive
- Toxic Relationship
- Touch Him and Die

📚Appearances by: 📚
Dima & Seb: Kozlov brother/runs Starlight & partner, Tied to You by Syn Blackrose
Lev: Kozlov brother/runs Starlight, Kill for You by Syn Blackrose
Jules: Dima’s right hand man, Our Blood, Our Pain by Syn Blackrose (The Kozlov Bodyguards #1)\
Marcus: Prez of the Blackrose Saints MC, Ethan’s old, friend?, New MC Series?


📝Quotes:📝

“You know what sculpture is?” he asks. “Metal therapy?” I [Leo] say, and he [Dad] chuckles. “It’s proof that broken things can become beautiful.”

They tether themselves to each other with affection, obligation and sickening morality. They call it love when what they really mean is don’t leave me. These kind of people terrify me. Not because they’re dangerous, but because they’re so fragile and have convinced themselves they aren’t. - Ethan

It’s gotten to the point where I was fantasizing about all the ways I could kill my Project Development Manager, while he was listing off all the reasons we may struggle to make this work. I wanted to remove his tongue and peel the skin slowly off his ugly face. But I realize that’s not a realistic outcome. - Ethan

Ownership isn’t violence. It’s a permanent reality. - Ethan

“Wait… you plan to keep him?” “Yes. It’s in the small print.” “So, it’s a kidnapping?” “No, more like coercion with benefits. He will like it.” - Ethan speaking with Marcus

“I will be fucking you. All night. You will learn how to cum from just my cock in your ass, Leo. You’ll love it.” - Ethan

Ethan: “I’m the only certain thing in your life.”
Leo: “You don’t care what this does to me.”
Ethan: “I care more than anyone ever has,”

“I already jerked off to your pants when I was in the shower,” he [Ethan] says. “Did you sniff my underwear?” “Of course. They smelled of you and I couldn’t help it. Never leave out your underwear unless you want me to jerk off. Put them in the laundry.”

“You’ll die with him, locked in that tower.” “Maybe. But it will be with a smile on my face,” I say as I walk out and don’t look back. - Leo

💤The Boring Stuff: 💤
Book #: Standalone (No Series)
Published 26 Feb 2026 at 368 Pages per Kindle
Read 26 Feb 2026 via Kindle Unlimited
1st Person, Dual POV


Reviewer Note: I think I give stars away way too easily but I can’t help myself. It can be safely assumed all of my reviews are from books that the animal lives, are 1st Person, have a HEA, and have no intimate or spicy scenes with anyone/thing other than MC(s) unless otherwise detailed. I try to rate books objectively if they have something I don’t typically like (i.e. Break Ups, SA, 3rd Person, Single POV, Sharing Partners). If it’s still written well the author deserves the praise but I will make note to avoid for myself in the future. I do my best to mark different triggers/warnings as well as the intimate acts performed in case anything listed/done might not be something you would want to read. If M/M, Age Play, Interspecies, Insta Love, Erotica, MPreg, or Incest are something you actively avoid, you are probably better off avoiding most of the books I review.

DNF: Something off, couldn’t finish because of it. Maybe me, maybe the book.
1 Star: Just.. Just no, thanks. Do not recommend it. Need mind eraser.
2 Stars: Oh that was something but it was not something for me or the author really fell short on this one.
3 Stars: Decent, enjoyed enough. Hit marks it was supposed to but something turned me off from it.
4 Stars: Really enjoyed it, better than I though it would be. Would recommend.
5 Stars: I can see myself reading this again. Thoroughly enjoyed. Would recommend.

[Library_of_a_Trashpanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
MM Romance
Psychopath

1️⃣ **Overall Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2️⃣ **Overview/Synopsis:**: Ethan wants Leo and he will do anything to get him.

3️⃣ **Favorite Character:**: Leo. I mean he never stood a chance saying no to Ethan.

4️⃣ **Most Memorable Scene:**: The night of the contract was so so good.

5️⃣ **Favorite Quote or Line:**: “You are something I’m building. To keep for the future. I own you.”

6️⃣ **Overall Review Summary:**: Let it be knows that Syn Blackrose knows how to write psychopaths with all the glaring red flags, yet she makes you see them as green flags.

Ethan is about an unhinged as they come. I love that she didn’t make him lovey in the end. Just straight up his version of love is obsession and stalking and owning someone completely. Leo can love him as long as he knows he’s owned.

There is some delicious smutty goodness and I liked that it didn’t over take the story. We really get to see Leo and how he was vs how he is after Ethan. F*ck Sarah.

I will always be a champion of Blackroses books and this one is no different. But still love Noah the most. 🤓

[Birgit · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

I really had my difficulties with this book, which I find a shame because I love everything this author has written so far, ESPECIALLY because a scene was included in this book that was written especially for me 😭❤️🙏.

I'll start with the best thing the book has to offer, LEO!
Leo is a wonderful and simply adorable character who absolutely does not deserve anything that happens to him here. He is “trapped” in a loveless marriage in which his wife Sarah only demands but gives nothing. His dream of becoming a sculptor is simply ignored and laughed at. Money and social status are everything. At his new job, Leo catches the eye of his boss Ethan, who is immediately obsessed with him.

While Ethan's manipulations at least have good intentions and ultimately turn out to be good for Leo, Sarah is just cruel. Leo really deserves so much better, and the ending made up for it for me.

😏🙏 What I had a problem with was Ethan's absolute possessiveness and the fact that he didn't give Leo any chance at all, even if it was for his own good. I found it hard to understand how Leo could've developed such feelings.

The spice was once again extremely good, and I also really enjoyed the cameos of our Kozlov brothers. 😎

Read if you like:
- Toxic Behavior
- Mental Abuse
- Cheating (not between the MCs)
- Mention of kidnap
- Psycho MC
- Manipulation and Control

[Wilmalys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idk how she does it, but every book is better than the last!! Syn killed it with Ethan. I loved that man and his mind. He was manipulative and sneaky but honest and true to himself. .

Leo needed him in his life, toxic behavior and all...Sarah was draining the life out of him and Ethan brought him to his full potential.

The corset scene...🥵 and the ice 🫠🫠

I hated Sarah, she was the worst person ever. I really hope she isn't redeemed in the new series, she deserves her full punishment.

Loved seeing the Koslovs its always fun when they show up. Seb was a bit of a hypocrite for sure though, he was judging Ethan for the same thing Dima did to him lol the irony 😆

I cant wait for more of Marcus!!! He was awesome!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to give this author a second chance, since I didn't like the only book from her that I read years ago. I was surprised over how much I liked this one! Is it toxic? Yeah. Is Ethan manipulating Leo into this relationship? Hell fucking yes. Did it helped Leo in the end? Very much.
I loved the fact that Ethan decided to give Leo his own workshop at the end to let Leo pursue his dream of sculpting 😭💗 That was pretty sweet, not gonna lie.
Hated Sarah to the core, she was so awful towards Leo throughout the whole damn book. She got what she deserved.

[VersaiVex_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

~* ARC Review*~

--Boss X Employee--Obsessive/ possessive Top--Psychopath MC--Power dynamics-- Humiliation--- Power game--baby... it's toxic.... but I LOVE IT-- MC finally pursues his dreams-- Gay awakening--

Like ANY Syn Blackrose book I know I'm about to walk into one hell of a toxic dynamic for sure. Not only did this match up with the Kozlov's series, but it's now spinning us into another series.
I LOVE interconnected works and this does not disappoint.

Manipulation. Control. Obsessive. Possessive. Do anything to have his man. Ethan is a psychopath for sure and literally doesn't do emotions. Until his possessive side is sparked by Leo. Ethan stops at nothing to have his man, even when his man is not only married but straight.

Ethan is the ultimate champion at this chess game between him and the one thing standing between Leo and his true happiness/ dreams.

I loved the work place pursuit. While this relationship is very toxic, it finally relieves a lot of pressure from Leo along the way. Even with him kicking and fighting along the way.

Now, some people would think Leo caved in too early. He didn't fight enough. Naw. I think it worked perfectly. While Leo is timid when it comes to Ethan, I think their souls just clicked together instantly. Ethan wouldn't say so in so many flowery words.

But the comfort and ease in which Leo unwinds around Ethan is VERY telling imo.

I loved that 9/10 times Ethan got whatever he wanted from/ with Leo. But when Leo doesn't like something etc.... He tells Ethan and he gives him whatever he needs and wants. Which makes Ethan feel almost softer.... yeah don't believe it lol (psychopath remember).

There is not shortage of violence, heated and icy lust ;), problem navigation, manipulation and story building throughout this book. While this isn't the spiciest book, the need and heat between Ethan and Leo is ever present.

I can't wait for the next series to unfold and give us more info on Marcus and the MC

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do ?

Would you spend a night with a virtual stranger for a million dollars let me think about it ok a second was enough thinking , yes I would. Even though Leo has his doubts his pull to Ethan is stronger and the fact he can see past Ethans facade and see what he really is underneath is both impressive and scary. I'm sure Leo despicable wife was separated at birth with Sebs ex both are/were shallow vacuous materialistic monsters. Great hearing from The Kozlovs again and if i am correct its Marcus's book next and i can't wait especially if there's more Ethan and Leo.

[Brit ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW…I mean just WOW! This book was HOT. Well, what Syn book isn’t but still, this might be my favorite one. Ethan is ruthless in his mission to make Leo his. Literally does not care at all about anything except making Leo his and we LOVE it. My heart did hurt for Leo, mainly because of Sarah…I mean who tf does she think she is. But the chemistry between Leo and Ethan could not be denied. Also, loved the cameos!!

[Sash · Rating 2 out of 5]

i did not enjoy this

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my…. Now that was hot and delicious, exactly what I craved. I sat down and read this cover to cover in one sitting.

Leo moved to the city with his wife, the marriage is basically failing. His wife wants the status that their financials don’t allow. So when Leo starts his new job and his very hot and handsome new boss has a proposition for him, his wife is all for it. Ethan wants one night, full control everything goes.. with Leo. One million for one night, excluding the fine print of course. Leo might not want to jump in straight away but a few days and he starts seeing the reasoning of why he should do this.

I had the absolute worst allergic reaction to Leo’s wife. What a character in a bad way. Made me root for Ethan all the more and louder.

The power that Ethan exerts is palpable, the way he controls and molds Leo created the best spice. The only thing I didn’t like was there wasn’t more of it!

[the.aquarius.booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Another delicious read by Syn Blackrose.
do read it, you won't be disappointed. This is a standalone that introduces new characters that spin off into a new series. "What Would It Cost", is a "you're mine" at first sight, but its focused more on manipulation than romance. The characters, banter,and the spice; this is all classic Syn Blackrose.
These characters are all different and three dimensional. you can love them, hate them, but they bring it.
- hellooo cameos from the Kozlov Brothers and crew.
-- before beginning make sure to check cw to ke sure that this book is right for you--

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean it wasn’t that dark wasn’t it?

Honestly the thing with the wife was so OTT. The wife was kind of a villain okay but Ethan’s revenge? Come the fuck on.

Also ‚i’m not gay‘ but first time they have sex he isn’t confused or nothing hurts or anything?

Safe to say for me this was neither too insane or not insane enough. It felt haft hearted and everything was too much. Like if the author wanted to go really dark but failed.

Not recommended.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo + Ethan

-mm romance
-boss/employee
-psychopath mc
-manipulation control
-gay awakening
-power dynamics

ohhh hohoho there was sooo much that was soooo wrongg going on in this one…but like in a sexy way!! haha ethan was soooo toxic (as was sarah but in a terrible way) & it was soooo perfect for his relationship with leo & he was sooo obsessedddd i loved it so much!!

[Sara Husser · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤❤️I'm tired and lonely, and the monster sees me. I don't know how to survive being unseen again🖤❤

"Psychopath. It's such an ugly word. It makes people think of blood and headlines and monsters that lurk in alleys. The truth is far more banal."

"I'm not driven by rage. I don't snap. I don't lose control--well, not all the time. I observe. I crave. I control. And if needed--I attack."

"I study the shape forming under my hands--rough, imperfect and permanent. Beautiful. I want a life that feels like this. Earned. Hot. Mine."

"I want him--his attention, his reactions, the way he'll look at me when he realizes exactly how deep this goes. My thoughts get carried away, I want him to become obsessed with me. For me to have so much control over his life, I become his oxygen."

"I want to decide for him. What he does. What he needs. Who touches him. Who he belongs to when the lights go out and the city forgets his name. In my world control is not cruelty. It's intimacy without the chaos."

"You're not normal."
"No, I'm not."
"You don't even see people the same way."
"No."
"Then why do I feel like you see me more clearly than anyone ever has?"
"Because I was the first to see you, others made you invisible."

"I'm not an object, Ethan."
"No, you're my fixation."

"What do you want from me?"
"Everything. Your body and soul. To be your only focus. I want to own you to the point where we are one person, that you cannot survive without me. Just like I refuse to breathe without you."

"I'm tired and lonely, and the monster sees me. I don't know how to survive being unseen again."

"Love is a myth designed to make possession sound poetic. What I have for Leo is better. It's animalistic and true."

"Leo was built to create, to be center stage and for me to be his protector, the monster that stands behind him. To guard him in every way. Together, we are...stable."

Syn did it again with another banger! This book was phenomenal and amazing. This author really knows how to write a psychopath and make him so loveable. The spice in this was delicious as always 🔥🔥🔥🔥. The characters were fleshed out perfectly. I loved the cameos from Dima, Seb, Jules, and Lev! I can't wait for the new MC series and to see more crossovers in Kozlov's world. Syn has become one of my favorite authors and I have read everything by her. She writes such fantastic stories full of dark trauma, great spice, action-packed plots, and psychopathic unhinged men. I loved that the undertone in this story was all about manipulation and control.

This story follows Leo and Ethan. Ethan is a psychopath billionaire who owns a chain of hotels. He wears a mask daily and ends up getting bored which leads him to do darker things. Leo is a married man who suffers daily. His wife Sarah constantly ridicules him that he's not good enough and tries to change who he is. They're struggling heavy with money issues so he gets a job in the mailroom at the hotel Ethan owns. As soon as Ethan runs into Leo, it's over 🤣🤣. Ethan becomes beyond obsessed and found his new fix/project to satiate himself. He offers the couple one million dollars for a night with Leo. Sarah pressures Leo to accept. Leo is straight and hates this idea. The night comes and Leo is not as straight as he thought 🤣🤣. He ends up loving his time with Ethan. Ethan ends up manipulating Leo hardcore, which makes many changes in Leo's life. Can Leo embrace who Ethan really is? What will happen with his marriage to Sarah? Can Leo leave one cage for another?

Omg this couple was everything! I loved how psychotic and "loving" Ethan was. Even though Ethan manipulated and locked Leo in his own cage he made, he still gave Leo a better life and set him free. I loved how Ethan's character was written with all his mannerisms. How well he could put on any mask and read people, was something else. My heart broke for poor Leo. He lost his father, only to be locked up and caged by Sarah. This woman tore him down and made his life miserable. Only for him to be thrown to psycho Ethan 🤣. Ethan saw his potential and flat out gave him a better life. Ethan gave this man everything. I loved how feral and protective Ethan was. I loved how Leo was drawn to his darkness and uniqueness at first. Leo just wanted to be valued, loved, and seen. Ethan gave him all of that and more. The banter between these two had me cackling 🤣. I loved how Ethan was a loner and had few friends. I loved seeing Leo finally come alive. The chemistry and spice was chef's kiss 🔥🔥🔥🔥. The mouth on Ethan had me 💦😉🫣. The ending of this was amazing and made my heart so happy. Seeing Leo do what he loves the most and become successful with Ethan by his side pride, was everything.

Let's take a moment to say I hate Sarah. That woman was despicable and disgusting. Marcus intrigued me and I can't wait for his book and new series! I loved how Seb and Leo became friends 🥹. I loved the cameos from the other books. Especially Dima. His interactions with Ethan had me laughing loud 🤣. I'm excited for more of this new world! 🖤❤️🖤❤️

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's "What Would It Cost" by Syn Blackrose.

["Leo
Money. That’s what has turned my life upside down.
Money is the reason my marriage is barely holding together.
Money is the reason Ethan Taylor has thrown himself into my life.
Ethan is the reason I can barely sleep. Ethan is the reason I question myself and who I really am.
Ethan, Ethan, fucking Ethan. That damn name is always on my mind.
The big question…when everything in your life is falling apart, would you accept an offer from your boss that could make it right? Heal your marriage?
Would you hand over your body for one night to an attractive psycho? Not forgetting that I’m straight.
He’s manipulative. Dangerous. Toxic.
He is always one step ahead.

Ethan
I’m rich. Successful. And bored.
Months of being restless, unsure of what it is my body needs, until a gorgeous man called Leo starts working at my hotel.
He’s perfect. Attractive. Sexy. But the best part is that he is so worn down by life, that I can’t resist him. That makes him vulnerable.
I want to bend him to my will. To take him as my own.
Social expectations mean nothing to me. I have no morals. No empathy. I don’t give a fuck what’s happening in your life.
But I care about what Leo does. I need to know everything about him.
I’m going to tear him down so I can rebuild him.
I will offer him everything he dreams of, while locking him up in my golden cage.
By the time I’ve finished, he won’t be able to leave. But even better, he won’t want to leave.
No limits. No rules."]

Dark, depraved, unhinged, psychotic, crazy... or just unconventional? Because Ethan might not be able to feel love, but what he felt for Leo transcended traditional love. But it was deep and devoted. He wanted only good things for Leo, he didn't want Leo to feel alone or lonely. He didn't want Leo to be wanting for anything. He wanted Leo to be happy and healthy. He wanted him to live his best life and pursue his dreams and finally be seen.

Leo just wanted to follow his dreams and be happy. He wanted to have comfort and be seen. He wanted someone to want him and need him. Ethan's methods weren't...typical, but he gave Leo all he wanted, all he needed, and so much more.

I also kinda love how this book existed in teh same universe at Syn's other books (even if I haven't read all of them yet). Beautiful.

I don't a lot of hard limits when it comes to content or triggers. One of them is (usually) cheating. But Syn is always wonderful at making the cheated-on-partner incredibly horrible and (almost) deserves this karma.

Trigger Warnings: manipulation, stalking, violence, cheating (not between MCs), mental abuse, toxic behavior, and more.

#whatwoulditcost #synblackrose #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Gina Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENG/ESP REVIEW

What Would It Cost? was a really easy and engaging read, just like all of Syn Blackrose’s books. It pulls you in fast and is hard to put down.

You can tell the author tried something a bit different here, with new characters and new personality dynamics. The story isn’t so much about the plot but about the MCs and their intense, super possessive relationship.

One of the highlights for me was definitely the Kozlov brothers showing up again. I love them so much, all of them! That whole family has my heart.

The introduction of the Blackrose Saints also looks incredibly promising, and I’m already very excited for the upcoming series.

If I’m being honest, I never fully connected with Ethan, and because of that I didn’t completely believe in the relationship between him and Leo beyond something that felt a bit forced or inevitable.

I understand that Ethan is written that way and Leo accepts him, and they do get their HEA. I just personally need at least a bit of romance to fully connect with a couple and feel like the love is mutual and not just possession.

That said, I still enjoyed Ethan and Leo’s story a lot. Syn Blackrose’s writing is beautiful as always, and the whole Kozlov universe she has created is honestly amazing.


---


What Would It Cost? ha sido una lectura muy amena, como todos los libros de Syn Blackrose. Se lee rápido y engancha desde el principio.

Se nota que la autora ha querido darle un giro a lo que estamos acostumbrados, presentando nuevos personajes y dinámicas diferentes. No se centra tanto en la trama sino en el desarrollo de los protagonistas y en la relación intensa y súper posesiva que los envuelve.

Uno de los puntos fuertes, que me ha encantado!, ha sido sin duda la aparición y los cameos de los hermanos Kozlov, a los que adoro profundamente. Todos ellos! (guardaespaldas y parejas incluidas. Esa familia me tiene completamente enamorada)

Además, la introducción de los Blackrose Saints pinta increíble y me tiene muy emocionada por la serie que está por venir.

Si tengo que ser honesta, no he terminado de empatizar con Ethan del todo, y por eso no he llegado a creerme la relación entre él y Leo más allá de una unión obligada o forzada. Entiendo perfectamente que Ethan está escrito así y que Leo lo acepta, y tienen su HEA, pero personalmente necesito un mínimo de romanticismo para conectar del todo con una pareja y sentir que el amor es recíproco y no solo posesión.

Eso no significa que no haya disfrutado la historia de Ethan y Leo, ni mucho menos. La escritura de Syn Blackrose es maravillosa como siempre, y todo lo que rodea a los Kozlov y el mundo que ha creado me parece una genialidad.